Esther Mukyala
4 December 2008
Kampala — AN outreach centre for HIV/AIDS has been launched at Kirinya Remand Prisons.
At least 119 inmates were tested for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS and for sexually transmitted diseases, officials from the AIDS Support Organisation (TASO) said on Monday.
The centre is expected to promote voluntary counselling and testing and adherence to drugs, said Harriet Mabonga, the director in charge of advocacy.
She said the services would last as long as the objective of having a world free of AIDS. This is the first time this service is extended to the inmates.
The deputy resident district commissioner, Apollo Bwebale, said the initiative confirmed that TASO respects the rights of inmates.
"All of us are potential prisoners but when you come out of prison, you are expected to be a reformed person," he said.
If you are on anti-retroviral treatment, Bwebale counselled, ensure that you adhere to the drugs.
The superintendent of Kirinya Prisons, Nathan Lusambu, said the partnership supplemented their budget. He appealed for nutritional support fot inmates on ARVs. Lusambu urged inmates who are not infected to maintain their status.
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