HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C in correctional facilities

Marshall Consulting HIV/AIDS AND HEPATITIS C IN CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES: REDUCING THE RISKS Executive Summary In 2003, the Province of Nova Scotia and various HIV/AIDS stakeholders released its strategy to address HIV/AIDS, outlining a broad range of efforts to prevent/reduce the spread of the infection and improve access to care, treatment, and support for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. [...] This report is not intended to be a comprehensive overview of the situation as it applies to the delivery of risk reduction services to offenders in this province – the study scope and HIV and Hepatitis C in Correctional Facilities: Reducing the Risks. [...] It is intended to support further work as it applies to offender services and the prevention of the spread of infectious disease among prisoner and at-risk populations (review of policy and actual practice within the province – both in the health and corrections sphere, consultation with stakeholders to implement the recommendations and generate other solutions). [...] The Department of Health Promotion and Protection, with the support of the Nova Scotia Advisory Commission on AIDS, might be best positioned to take the lead on this from a public health perspective but will need to work closely with the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Correctional Services, in support of their mutual interest in the promotion of prisoner health. [...] Marshall Consulting In particular, the Nova Scotia Department of Justice, Corrections Services, the Departments of Health and Health Promotion and Protection, and the Capital District Health Authority should explore ways to ensure the provision of health/sexual health services, including testing, in a confidential and readily accessible manner.