DISCUSSIONS are in progress on HIV tests for inmates being admitted to or discharged from prison facilities.
While the Fiji Corrections Service upholds the HIV Act 2011 which states in Part 4 (29) “that it is unlawful to request that a HIV test be performed except (a) with the voluntary informed consent of the person who is to be tested”, it recognises the need for such tests.
As of last year, the Service recorded 6.1 per cent of HIV cases within its facilities.
“Currently, compulsory measures of HIV and drug tests are not applicable within the organisation, including officers and inmates,” FCS said.
“However, the FCS plans to provide these services at admission and discharge of an inmate.
“There are discussions being held for the provision of these services with relevant stakeholders and once the prerequisites (policy, training and compliance as well as resources) are met, these can be done.”
It has also corrected initial stats given by the suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr Jalesi Nakarawa that 60 per cent of inmates lived with HIV.
In response to questions sent by this newspaper, the FCS said officers are tested but on a voluntary basis.
“Most undergo testing when HIV screening drives are conducted within prisons on an annual basis,” FCS said.
“For the HIV screening, the HIV Act Prohibits any mandatory screening and discrimination due to HIV Status. As for the drug screening, the policies in place prohibit any mandatory drug screening as well.”
