Goma, 20 June 2015 – In collaboration with the Corrections section, the HIV/AIDS section of MONUSCO conducted a campaign to raise awareness about HIV prevention and testing in Goma’s central prison.

During the campaign taking place on 4, 7, 10 and 15 of June 2015, the inmates were educated on the importance of, and the need for, early detection of HIV so they may be aware of their HIV status.

In the prison environment, the inmates live in precarious conditions that are favorable to HIV contamination and spread. The campaign therefore provided them with appropriate information about HIV transmission routes and prevention methods. They were told that to avoid being contaminated, it is necessary to avoid sharing personal items – such as razor blades, syringes, shaving machines, needles, and other sharp objects.

Awareness of the existence of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, acceptance of voluntary HIV testing, and a change in sexual behavior were recommended to them as some of the means for reducing the spread of this disease in the prisons.

By Joseph Tabung Banah