AEGiS-15IAC: Prevention of HIV/AIDS and STDs among juvenile prisoners in north west frontier province (NWFP), Pakistan.

15th International AIDS Conference

Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

Prevention of HIV/AIDS and STDs among juvenile prisoners in north west frontier province (NWFP), Pakistan.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. WeOrC1299)

Ayub AY
DOST Welfare Foundation, Peshawar, Pakistan

ISSUES: In NWFP, Pakistan there are more than 500 juveniles of age 18 and below, who are incarcerated mainly in the three central prisons i.e. Peshawar, Haripur and DI Khan prisons. Lack of facilities for medical care, awareness, counseling, legal help, recreation, education etc result in traumatic stress and state of hopelessness, which subsequently leading to high risk behaviours for HIV and STD transmission. MSM (Men having Sex with Men) behaviour exists in the so-called Juvenile barracks in these prisons, where above juvenile age boys are also incarcerated. In the juvenile barracks the elder inmates (who are above the age of 18) enjoys a number of powers and they usually force the youth age juveniles for sex. The "Jamadar", who is a senior convicted prisoner and deputed as supervisor of the barrack, is usually involved in forcefully motivating new and youth juveniles for doing sex with the elder inmates of the barracks.

DESCRIPTION: With financial assistance from the Norwegian Government and technical assistance from the Orphan, Refugees and Aid International, DOST Welfare Foundation is implementing a project for the prevention of HIV/AIDS and STDs among juvenile prisoners in the three central prisons of NWFP. To enhance the knowledge and understanding awareness sessions and discussions on HIV/AIDs and STDs were held with juvenile prisoners. Healthcare, counseling, VCT, recreational and social services were also provided to juvenile detainees.

LESSONS LEARNED: During the project period of two years the project services reached to more than 800 juveniles, who were incarcerated in prisons. 24 awareness sessions and discussion were held on HIV/AIDS and STDs. Sports and other recreational items were provided to juveniles prisoners. Advocacy meetings were held with the prison authorities to gain support for the objectives. Healthcare, VCT, counseling and social services were established in the prisons.

RECOMMENDATIONS: We are planning to replicate this project in other major cities of the country.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Seropositivity, Prisoners, HIV Infections, Prisons, Counseling, Anti-HIV Agents, Evaluation Studies, Health Planning, Pakistan, Adolescent, Humans, Male, prevention & control, education

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WeOrC1299