Document

Guidelines for the management of tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus and sexually-transmitted infections in correctional facilities

Recommended citation: Republic of South Africa Department of Health. Guidelines for the management of tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus and sexually-transmitted infections in correctional facilities. 2013
Published: 2013

Description

The guidelines cover the management of tuberculosis (TB), HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in South Africa's 242 correctional facilities.

The guidelines acknowledge that overcrowding, unhygienic conditions and high inmate turn over contribute to the spread of infections diseases within correctional facilities. The document states that voluntary HIV counseling and testing must be offered to all inmates when they enter facilities, during their incarceration at an inmate’s request and upon their release. All newly diagnosed inmates must also be screened to TB. Inmates who do not meet HIV treatment initiation requirements must receive CD4 testing every six months to determine if they subsequently qualify for HIV treatment.

Isoniazid preventive therapy must be given to all HIV-infected adults who are not on TB treatment; are asymptomatic for TB; have no active liver disease and no history of alcohol abuse, psychosis, convulsions or neuropathy.

Similarly, all inmates must be screened for TB symptoms upon entry to facilities and at least bi-annually thereafter as well as upon release. Universal screening for anal, oral and genital STIs must be done at entry and upon self-presentation.

Catalogue: South Africa