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Prison HIV/AIDS rate higher than expected

    JOHANNESBURG

    South African prison authorities have refuted claims that it is losing the battle against HIV transmission in prisons across the country.

    Last month a US-based HIV/AIDS researcher suggested that correctional services did not know the real extent of the pandemic within its prisons.

    KC Goyer's report says local prison services are struggling to turn their written policy on HIV/AIDS into reality.

    However, Correctional Services spokesman, Russell Mamabolo, said the department had already implemented a policy for the care and treatment of HIV-positive prisoners.

    "HIV-positive prisoners receive a balanced diet. There are special diets for those infected which has been recommended by medical practitioners," Mamabolo told the UN news service PlusNews.

    He also said condoms were distributed where prisoners "can easily access them discreetly".

    Meanwhile, South Africa has joined the ranks of countries involved in legal battles arising from HIV transmission in prison.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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