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Abstract
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies´ support in post-detention periods: unique actors for improving access to care and rebuilding resilience of former detainees
J. Hasselgàrd-Rowe
Issues: Prisoners have been identified as one of the four most vulnerable and at risk populations for HIV. Prisons and other detention settings often present extremely high risk environments for HIV, hepatitis C and tuberculosis transmission.
Post-detention is a particularly critical period for ensuring uninterrupted access to health services, positive prevention and support for adherence to treatment. Breakdown in treatment regimes upon release may have severe individual and public health consequences and prisoners frequently return to weakened or damaged support systems.
Description: Research was undertaken in 2007 by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on the public health (particularly HIV and tuberculosis) and psychosocial support work of National Societies in prisons and with former detainees. Examples of National Societies´ prison and post-detention work were identified and case studies documented.
Lessons learned: In preparing for release and reintegration, ensuring access to health services and follow-up support is vital to the successful continuation of any public health services (including HIV prevention and treatment) started in prison.
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, through their network of volunteers supported by paid professional staff, are uniquely placed to enable continuity of health services started in prison, through prevention education, psychosocial support, harm reduction programmes (including drug substitution), treatment adherence for HIV anti-retroviral therapy and DOTS tuberculosis and other treatment regimes.
Next steps: National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies models, such as HIV prevention work in prisons (Mongolia and Kenya), HIV and TB work in pre-detention remand facilities (Russia), support for former detainees living with HIV (Argentina) as well as lessons learned in this area from the International Committee of the Red Cross, has been documented and analysed. National Societies are being supported to adapt these models to local contexts, to contribute to the well-being of the individual and strengthen community health.
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference
Abstract no.
MOPE0651
Suggested Citation
" J. Hasselgàrd-Rowe
National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies´ support in post-detention periods: unique actors for improving access to care and rebuilding resilience of former detainees.
:
AIDS 2008 - XVII International AIDS Conference:
Abstract no.
MOPE0651"
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