South Africa: Fight against HIV, TB to be intensified in prisons
Pretoria – The Department of Justice and Correctional Services will intensify the fight against HIV and Tuberculosis in prisons, says Minister Michael Masutha.
“We will improve the percentage of inmates that tested for HIV from 68% of 157 170 inmates to 70%, while the TB cure rate will be improved from 75% to 80%,” the minister said during his Budget Vote speech on Wednesday.
He said the department has ensured access to effective primary health care, while those in need of secondary and tertiary health care services are taken to public health care facilities.
Reintegration of inmates
With regard to the reintegration of inmates back to their communities, Minsiter Masutha said his department will embark on an intensive campaign to promote alternative sentences within the cluster.
He said they will establish social compacts to strengthen social acceptance of ex-offenders and enhance restorative justice. The department will further tighten the supervision of parolees, probationers and remand detainees.
“Although there has been phenomenal improvement in compliance with conditions of probationers and parolees from 82% in 2012/13 to 94% in 2013/14, the department will invest more on building the credibility of the system among the criminal justice partners and communities,” he said.
Source: SAnews.gov.za
