HIV/tuberculosis/hepatitis C virus services for incarcerated populations in Azerbaijan and the Eastern Europe Central Asia region

Purpose of review The tide of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) is a challenge for the penitentiary system in Eastern Europe Central Asia (EECA) region. We have analyzed the existing services for incarcerated individuals with HIV, HCV and TB to assess the current situation in the EECA region. Recent findings Because of the current criminal-legal system, key risk population with strong linkage to the blood-borne and airborne infections has a high proportion among prisoners. Management of these diseases includes a set of services, such as early detection, counseling, testing and treatment, prevention, harm reduction programme, wide educational and information efforts, and organization of continuity care after release. WHO has developed a set of targets, the only precise achievement of which will reduce the burden of these infections and eliminate them as a public health problem. Summary It is necessary to closely monitor the delivery of HIV, HCV and TB care services in penitentiary system of the EECA countries. The comprehensive operational research will help to develop the most effective practices allowing to achieve the care provision for the entire contingent of the penitentiary system and its continuity in the civil sector. Sustainable and sufficient funding is required as well as enough attention to ensure healthcare services at an appropriate level in the penitentiary system.
Source: Current Opinion in HIV and AIDS - Category: Infectious Diseases Tags: CREATING DEMAND FOR HIV PRODUCTS, DRUGS AND DIAGNOSTICS: Edited by David Ripin and Sharonann Lynch Source Type: research