Kananga, 7 February 2012 – The Corrections Unit of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), in collaboration with the provincial Sanitation Department in Kasaï Occidental and other sanitation institutions, launched, Tuesday 31 January 2012, an outreach campaign to raise public awareness about sexually transmittable diseases (STD) and HIV-AIDS for Kananga central prison inmates, in the provincial capital of Kasai Occidental. The activities consisted of sensitizing all 388 inmates of the prison, including five women and 15 minors, as well as the entire prison staff, on the risks of contracting STDs and HIV-AIDS.

The campaign was conducted by experts from several national institutions and international organizations, including the National Program to Fight AIDS (PNLS), the AIDS Multi-Sector National Program (PNMSLS), National Blood Transfusion Centre (CNTS), and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the chief medical doctor of the area, and the director of the Kananga general hospital.

The public awareness campaign on infection and contamination preventive measures was carried out in two wards occupied by male, female and minor inmates.

Both inmates and prison staff alike were encouraged to use condoms, and limit their sexual partners.

At the end of the activities, the prison's director hailed the initiative, highlighting the positive impact it will have in prisons. Under the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1925, the Corrections Unit has a mandate to advise and train local correctional officials.

Kananga Corrections Unit set up a carpentry workshop in the same prison in 2011 to train inmates with a view to securing their social reintegration. Such efforts will continue, and a particular focus will be put on improving correctional infrastructures, providing appropriate catering service, and training staff to bring prisons to meet international standards.