Penitentiary services of CIS states share practices in medical assistance for convicts with HIV, TB, addictions

AKIPRESS.COM - Heads of penitentiary services of the CIS states discussed medical assistance for convicts with substance abuse, TB and HIV on April 23 in Moscow. Representatives of medical services of penitentiary institutions shared their practices among members of the working group.
Representatives of penitentiary services of Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus partook in the event.
In her report, chief of medical service of the State Penitentiary Service Nazgul Sotobekova said no less than 15% of convicts are intravenous drug users, according to findings of surveys conducted by international organizations and NGOs.
Harm reduction programs are carried out in the country that envisage syringe exchanges, substitution therapy, rehabilitation programs, rehabilitation and social adaptation center.