Marseille 2007
| Abstract #163 - How to run HIV prevention programs in prisons: insights from Bali | ||||
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Session: 45.7: Prevention in the new millenium (Parallel) on Tuesday @ 16.30-18.30 in PR Chaired by Yolande Obadia, Araceli Rousaud Authors: Presenting Author: Mr Harris Kaunang - Denpasar AIDS Commision, Indonesia |
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| Additional Authors: | ||||
| Aim: With 696 inmates in 2005 and 726 in 2006, the prisons in Bali, Indonesia constitute a notable epicentre of HIV in the province. Narcotics are cheaper and easily available in these prisons than outside. Most inmates who inject drugs tended to share contaminated needles. In 2005 surveillance conducted in 5 out of 7 prisons, 4-5% of inmates were detected HIV positive. Till December 2006, 19 HIV positive inmates were identified. | ||||
| Method / Issue: Considering this grave situation, Yakita Bali initiated a prevention and empowerment project in July 2005. The program includes skill/confidence building through mutual support among inmates, with minimal external support. YAKITA encouraged the inmates to form mutual support groups. Core activities include weekly narcotic anonymous (NA) meetings and life skill education sessions. The NA meeting provides opportunities to share experiences, problems and progresses among the group members. Life skill education is session about drugs and Virus (HIV and Hepatitis) | ||||
| Results / Comments: In 2006, 400 inmates participated in weekly meetings organized separately in male and female blocks. About 25% inmates have avoided sharing injecting equipments. A total of 173 inmates quitted drug-injecting habits. The project has been successful in creating awareness and raising self-esteem of the inmates. The inmates are willing to participate in this kind of program and to change their behaviou. The multisectoral cooperation was helpful to reduce discrimination and stigma against PLWA in prison. | ||||
| Discussion: A high turnover is a challenge in implementing this project in the prison settings. At least one new inmate joins the support groups every week. In 2006, 15 males and 60 females left the groups/prisons. Therefore, this program should be continued so that new inmates receive support from the beginning. These groups should also be networked with community-based groups or institutions to ensure that the inmates obtain appropriate support after they leave the prison. | ||||
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