The Lesotho Correctional Services (LCS) conducted an HIV peer education workshop for staff held in Thaba Bosiu on June, 2010. The total of 50 participants from 12 correctional institutions in the country attended the workshop.

The LCS HIV/AIDS Project Coordinator Ms. Nkepile Thokoa said the objective is to increase HIV and AIDS and TB knowledge among correctional officers so that they become effective peer educators for both staff and their inmates.

During the workshop, the participants were encouraged to take voluntary testing in order to be role models to their peers during Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) campaign in their respective institutions.

Among others, the participants learnt about care and support of HIV and AIDS patients and eradication of stigma and discrimination surrounding People Living With HIV and AIDS.  Other topics learnt were HIV and TB co-management, HIV Counseling and Testing, AIDS treatment, nutrition, HIV and human rights, Sexual Offence Act, HIV mainstreaming and HIV and work place.

Addressing participants at the workshop SACC Mosheoane T’solo mentioned among the challenges face correctional institutions in Lesotho including increased crime which cause overcrowding of inmates in correctional institutions, shortage of staff, inadequate funds to support programmes, old dilapidated buildings and  absence of technology to enhance security.

He said the LCS is therefore working hand in hand with other partners to mobilize resources to address these challenges include that of HIV and TB in Prisons.

“Current the LCS works together with UNAIDS, World Health Organisation (WHO) and Global Fund Coordinating Unit (GFCU) to combat HIV in prisons,” he added.

The inmates are the most at risk population that are more vulnerable to HIV and TB and if infected their detention may worsen their condition.

As part of the solution to address HIV and TB challenges, nurses and health staff deployed in correctional institutions to assist staff and inmates with health issues such health talks, HIV Testing and Counseling and improve diet of patients. Meanwhile terminally ill patients are release to die decently at their homes with their beloved ones.

Speak at the same occasion, the GFCU Deputy Coordinator Mr. Mokhothu Makhalanyane appealed to the correctional staff to join hands in the fight against HIV and TB. He called on participants to use the skills acquired to prevent the spread of HIV especially in prison.

The peer education training for correctional services staff is part of Round 8 HIV grant whose aim is to equip staff with necessary skills to prevent the spread of HIV among the most at risk population as well as to create a conducive work place environment for people living with HIV and AIDS and TB and eradication stigma and discrimination at work place.