The following documents outline the use of the rapid GeneXpert TB test in prisons, HIV and TB interventions and describe the recently created task team.
The GeneXpert document below outlines the roll out of 287 GeneXpert machines in South Africa, including machines at correctional facilities such as Pollsmoor, St Albans and Westville prisons. To improve linkages to treatment, both within the correctional facilities and once the patient has been released, the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) is in the process of implementing its system of SMS printers, providing immediate results reporting from the NHLS.
The NHLS briefing document on HIV and TB services in correctional facilities outlines proposed models for GeneXpert use in prisons and how the ultimate model was suggested. It conclude by stating that between March 2011 and 2014, the time at which the brief was drafted, 40,389 GeneXpert tests were conducted for the correctional services by the NHLS.
The last document describes the process behind the creation of a National Task Team on TB in prisons. This task team has the overall responsibility for the oversight of the implementation of an effective and comprehensive HIV and TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and support programme in correctional facilities. It includes representatives from nongovermnetal organisations, universities and the Southern African HIV Clinicians Society amongst others.
Download the documents:
NHLS GeneXpert update June 2014
NHLS HIV TB services in Correctional Services facilities
Implementation of correctional services HIV and TB services framework 31 May 2014
Source: Health-e