Rumphi HIV+ inmates want balanced diet

Rumphi prison inmates who are on antiretroviral therapy (ART) have asked authorities and well-wishers to improve their nutritional status for better adherence to the treatment.

The call was made on  Wednesday when Hope for Relief Organisation conducted adherence assessment among inmates on ART.

One inmate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they lack nutritious food as per requirement.

“Most of us take the drugs despite the diet not suiting our condition,” he said.

The assessment found that out of the 18 male inmates assessed for nutritional status, five were malnourished.

Rumphi District Hospital nutrition  official  Shallow Ngwira said the malnourished inmates need urgent nutritional food supplements.

Hope for Relief Programmes manager Hastings Ziba said they are geared to improve the welfare of the inmates on ART treatment.

“We are working with our colleagues from Rumphi Prison on various interventions to improve the adherence and nutritional status of the inmates on ART treatment,” he said.

The organisation also provided chemicals for the vegetable garden at the prison.

Rumphi Prison spokesperson Falliot Chinkhoma said two percent of the institution’s monthly funding is spent on nutritious food supplements for the inmates on ART treatment at the institution. “We understand that the two percent might not be enough to cater for the needs of inmates on ART, but with support from other partners, we hope to satisfy their [inmates’] needs,” he said.