BULAWAYO, Jun. 8 (NewsDay Live) — Collaboration between the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) and the National AIDS Council (NAC) has been credited with improving HIV awareness, testing and prevention among inmates at Khami Maximum Prison.
Speaking on the sidelines of a media tour of the prison, inmate peer educator and prison headmaster Moses Moyo said the programme had transformed lives by equipping inmates with knowledge to make informed health decisions during incarceration and after release.
“This programme has benefited many people, including myself, because of the reckless lifestyle I lived before my incarceration,” Moyo said.
“I can safely say I was promiscuous, but through the knowledge I gained from NAC programmes, I now know my HIV status and understand how to live responsibly when I am released.”
Moyo said the peer education initiative had made a significant impact by providing inmates with accurate information about HIV prevention, testing and treatment.
“This programme is having a tremendous impact because it is giving knowledge to people who are incarcerated,” he said.
He added that most inmates at the correctional facility now know their HIV status, largely due to NAC-supported interventions.
“Credit goes to the NAC programmes that have helped ensure many people know their status. Those who test HIV-positive are quickly initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART),” Moyo said.
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“People are often more comfortable discussing their health concerns with fellow inmates than with prison officers. That is why the peer education programme is very effective in promoting behaviour change.”
Officer-in-Charge of Khami Maximum Prison, Chief Superintendent Norman Chemugarira, commended NAC for its continued support in strengthening healthcare services and health education programmes within correctional institutions.
“Healthcare remains one of our priority areas. Every inmate undergoes health screening upon admission to identify communicable diseases, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions and any ongoing treatment requirements,” Chemugarira said.
“For inmates who are already receiving treatment before admission, mechanisms are in place to ensure continuity of care throughout incarceration and, where necessary, after release.”
Chemugarira also praised the longstanding partnership between ZPCS, NAC and other development partners.
“The National AIDS Council has played a pivotal role in strengthening HIV and AIDS interventions within our institutions through support for HIV prevention, testing, counselling, treatment adherence and continuity-of-care programmes,” he said.
“NAC has also assisted in training inmate peer educators who play a critical role in health promotion and behaviour change communication among fellow inmates.”
Beyond health services, Chemugarira said NAC had supported rehabilitation efforts through funding for income-generating projects and skills development programmes aimed at promoting mental wellness, positive engagement and successful reintegration into society.
