Nepal: UNODC promotes targeted interventions to address HIV/AIDS and drug use among vulnerable groups in prison settings  

Surkhet and Kailali, Nepal/22 September 2022: Globally, prisons are characterized by relatively high prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C virus and tuberculosis, as well as elevated risks of contracting such diseases and diminished access to health services.

In some settings, the HIV burden among people living in prisons may be up to 50 times higher than in the general population. HIV transmission in prison often occurs through the multi-use of equipment among people who inject drugs, consensual or coerced unsafe sexual practices, multi-use of shaving razors, and the improper sterilization or reuse of medical or dental instruments, among others. HIV in prison may also be transmitted from mothers living with HIV to their infants during pregnancy or delivery.

In this backdrop, under the joint Unified Budget, Results and Accountability Framework (UBRAF) mechanism, UNODC conducted awareness programs on testing services, harm reduction, HIV prevention and social reintegration for women who use drugs at the Surkhet and Kailali Prisons in Nepal. The programs were organised in close collaboration with Ministry of Health and Population, Department of Prison Management and the Prison Foundation.

During the sessions, prison officials highlighted overcrowding and health-related issues among prisoners as key areas of concern. Psychiatric disorders, HIV infection, tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, sexually transmitted diseases, skin diseases, malnutrition are the main causes of morbidity and mortality in prison. Participants called for more support vis-à-vis resources and national plans/policy frameworks towards prison reforms.

Prison officials also emphasized the need for more skilled-based training programs for prisoners, for better social reintegration and economic empowerment. UNODC experts briefed participants on gender-specific harm reduction programs and services for women who use drugs, and how they could be safely reintegrated back in the society. HIV testing of all female prisoners was also conducted during the programs.

As a guardian to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, UNODC seeks to strengthen countries' capacity to offer an adequate response in HIV and AIDS prevention and assistance for people, especially to the most vulnerable groups: youngsters and women.

This activity contributes to SDG 3, SDG 5 and 16: https://sdg-tracker.org/ 

(Supported by the UBRAF Mechanism)