A safe society is a shared responsibility
In the Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS in the city of Shymkent, a round table was held on the topic: “Prevention of HIV infection among prisoners – a shared responsibility for a safe society” in order to consider and resolve issues of providing medical care to people in prisons and other closed institutions.
The event was attended by B. Abdullaev, head of the temporary detention facility of the Police Department, B. Dinmukhamed, deputy head of the reception and distribution point of the Police Department, Z. Auelbekov, deputy head of the special reception and distribution point of the Police Department, police lieutenant colonel, L. Davidyants, specialist of the sanitary department of the Police Department, E. Musayeva, sanitary doctor of the penal system, B. Syrbek, chief physician of the AIDS Center, N. Turekhanov, epidemiologist of City Hospital No. 2, responsible for the institution of the penal system, as well as heads and medical workers of institutions of the penal system.
The purpose of the round table was to discuss modern methods of prevention to reduce the risk of spreading infection, strengthen preventive measures to prevent HIV infection among convicts and detainees, strengthen cooperation between law enforcement agencies and medical institutions, and develop recommendations to reduce risky behavior factors.
The opening speech was given by the chief physician of the AIDS Center B. Syrbek:
– “We are doing a lot of work to prevent HIV infection and in this process prisoners in prisons and other closed institutions should not be left without attention. There are 5 penitentiary institutions in Shymkent, where approximately 3000 prisoners are serving their sentences. Among them, there are 73 HIV-positive people who are receiving ARV therapy. Laboratory diagnostics of concomitant diseases and opportunistic infections, as well as treatment of viral hepatitis B and C, have been organized. This is our common responsibility.”
Head of the Department of Preventive Work U. Baidildaeva noted:
– “Preventive measures to prevent HIV infection among prisoners must be carried out systematically, in accordance with the order, on the basis of a joint decision.”
During the meeting, participants discussed issues of protecting the health of prisoners, strengthening preventive measures and creating a safe working environment. Epidemiologist of the Center for the Prevention and Control of AIDS R.N. Abieva presented the epidemiological situation of HIV infection and spoke about the necessary preventive measures in the penal system.
Sanitary doctor of the penal system E. Musaeva emphasized the importance of medical examinations among convicts and suspects, and also spoke about preventive measures aimed at reducing the spread of infection.
N. Turekhanov, an epidemiologist at City Hospital No. 2 and responsible for penal institutions, spoke about the difficulties that arise during laboratory testing of prisoners for HIV infection and shared his experience in solving them. A specialist of the sanitary department of the Police Department, doctor L. Davidyants, gave a report on the obstacles and problems that arise during the testing for HIV infection of persons admitted to the reception and distribution and special reception departments, as well as to the temporary detention facilities of the Police Department.
During the discussion, special attention was paid to issues of strengthening cooperation between the penal system and medical institutions, timely diagnosis and ensuring access of prisoners to medical care. Participants were also reminded of safety measures when working with people living with HIV.
The head of the temporary detention facility of the Police Department B. Abdullaev noted:
– "Very important issues were discussed at the event, and some of them were resolved. In the future, holding such meetings will contribute to the effective resolution of common problems."
At the end of the round table, recommendations were developed to improve preventive work among convicts, increase awareness and strengthen security measures. This initiative is aimed not only at preserving the health of prisoners, but also at ensuring the general safety of society.
