Mozambique: More than a quarter of inmates have HIV

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Mozambique: More than a quarter of inmates have HIV

1:48 CAT | 14 Aug 2023

FILE - For illustration purposes only. [File photo: Lusa]

More than a quarter of inmates in Mozambican prisons have HIV, according to the preliminary results of the Biological and Behavioural Survey of Prisoners and Correctional Officers in Mozambique, conducted by the National Health Institute (INS).

According to data from the study, carried out this month and consulted today by Lusa, the prevalence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in penitentiary establishments in the country stands at 31.5% in female inmates and 25.4% in male inmates.

The survey was carried out in 2022 by the INS in partnership with the National Penitentiary Service (SERNAP), with the aim of “estimating the prevalence of HIV, syphilis and HIV viral suppression among inmates and penitentiary agents”, but also to “assess risk behaviours associated” with those diseases, as well as assess access to and use of prevention, testing and treatment services for these diseases.

“The results presented show a prevalence of syphilis of 10.9% in male inmates and 3.6% in female inmates. Regarding viral suppression, 94% of male inmates living with HIV know their serostatus, of which 84.1% are on antiretroviral treatment, and 76.3% have achieved viral suppression. In female inmates, 98.4% of those living with HIV know their serostatus, 96.1% are on antiretroviral treatment and 76.1% have achieved % viral suppression,” the INS information reads.

“It is our expectation that the study will contribute to improve access to care and treatment, support interventions related to positive prevention and strengthen social and behavioural interventions for the prevention of HIV infection and sexually transmitted infections among the prison population, including the importance of using the advised prevention mechanisms,” General Director of SERNAP, António Augusto Maurice, says in comments on the study.

The survey was carried out in 22 penitentiary establishments in the country between March 2022 and August of the same year, involving 1,069 male inmates, 99 female inmates and 135 penitentiary agents, with an average of 56 inmates and six penitentiary agents involved in each selected establishment. The study had the collaboration and support of The Global Fund, Foundation for Community Development (FDD), Family Health International, ARISO, among other entities.

This is the second gender bio-behavioural survey carried out in Mozambique, according to the INS, after one carried out in 2011, with the results at the time pointing to an HIV prevalence of 23.1% in male prisoners and 36% in male female prisoners. With regard to syphilis, the 2011 survey indicated prevalence of 15.6% in male inmates and 21% in female inmates.

Source: Lusa