Prison officers want HIV,TB care for junior inmates

Some prison officers have called for the inclusion of inmates at Junior Correctional Care centres in the HIV and TB prevention project being implemented by the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG).

They explained that, the inclusion of the centres in the project would help the care givers to know the HIV status of children in their care and plan the appropriate attention to be given to them to protect their health.

The personnel made the suggestion at an advocacy meeting of Prison Officers and partners under Global Fund New Funding Model for the prevention of HIV and TB in the prisons which is being implemented by PPAG.

Under the project, PPAG is to supply hygiene kits to the inmates of the prisons such as plastic shaving sticks, tooth brushes and tooth pastes and also provide testing and counselling services for HIV and TB.

They would also put in place mechanisms for effective referrals and education by tutored inmates.

Speaking at the programme, Chief Superintendent of Prisons (CSP), Adu Mensah Danfoku, HIV Focal Person for the Prisons Service advised Prison Officers who coordinate the project to network with other persons and institutions working on HIV and TB in their districts and regions.

He explained that, such practice would help inmates get access to facilities and support systems available for HIV and TB patients.

CSP Danfoku advised the coordinators at the prisons to be abreast of the latest protocols on the handling of HIV and TB patients and to strictly adhere to it to protect themselves and the inmates.

Ms Anne Marie Affainie-Godwyll, Coordinator of Global Fund announced that, under the new funding model of Global Fund, provision had been made to fund the cost of transportation of referred HIV and TB cases from the prisons to the hospitals and advised the coordinators of the project to apply for it.

Mr Kenneth Johnfia, PPAG Council Member, appealed to the Prison Officers and partners to put in much efforts to ensure that the project succeeds.

The Southern Zonal Manager of PPAG, Nana Amma Oforiwaa Sam explained that meeting was to update the partners on the project on its progress and get their commitment.