Rumphi prisoners want sexual health services

Some Rumphi Prison inmates have appealed to duty-bearers in the district to prioritise access to reproductive health related services to the inmates to ensure that prisoners with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are assisted.

They made the appeal during a sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services provision outreach programme organised by Hope for Relief Organisation at the facility.

One of the inmates, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he has not been receiving treatment for his syphilis for the past 10 months, despite asking authorities to take him to the hospital.

“I contracted syphilis before I came but, I have been denied access to medical services since I came here,” he said.

Another inmate, who also did not want to be named, said certain diseases such as malaria and chicken pox receive attention, but not STIs.

But Rumphi Prison officer-in-charge Rajab Mota expressed ignorance about the concerns, saying his office has not received such queries.

“I do not remember receiving a request for medical treatment from an inmate and neglecting it,” he said.

Mota said his office will investigate the issue and ensure that any prisoner in need of medical treatment is assisted.

During the programme, detainees had access to SRH services such as HIV and Aids testing and counselling, antiretroviral therapy, STIs screening and nutrition assessment.

Hope for Relief Organisation is implementing a one-year For us All Prevention Project at Rumphi and Chitipa prisons with financial assistance from Hivos.