An Age of hope: a National Effort for Corrections, Rehabilitation and Social Re-integration of Offenders PRESENTATION ON THE HIV AND SYPHILIS PREVALENCE SURVEY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON CORRECTIONAL SERVICES 12 SEPTEMBER 2006

INTRODUCTION -Impact of HIV and AIDS epidemic felt globally -Extent of infections in Department not known -Department embarked on HIV and Syphilis Prevalence Survey in Survey conducted scientifically to ensure validity and reliability -External Service provider to undertake survey -Voluntary participation

PURPOSE Assist Management to make informed decisions Mitigate the impact of HIV and AIDS epidemic Address speculations Obtain scientific data on HIV and Syphilis prevalence among staff and offenders

BACKGROUND Approval granted by Minister and Commissioner Donor funds obtained from US Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) External service providers invited through bid processes Awarded bid to Limu’vune Consulting Ethical approval obtained from HSRC Pilot project undertaken in Gauteng Completed pilot project on 24 May 2006 Report presented to National Steering Committee

SUMMARY OF REPORT ON PILOT STUDY IN GAUTENG  Findings: Sample of 10% expected to participate in survey (768 staff and 2770 offenders) Participation rate: 67 staff and 746 offenders Very disappointing participation rate

SUMMARY OF REPORT ON PILOT STUDY IN GAUTENG (Cont..2)  Findings: No correlation between Syphilis and HIV Prevalence of Syphilis not significantly associated with the presence of HIV Pilot project demonstrated HIV and Syphilis is prevalent Active Management participation and offender involvement led to better participation level

SUMMARY OF REPORT ON PILOT STUDY IN GAUTENG (Cont..3)  Obstacles: Serious lack of cooperation and participation of Management in Management Areas Non-visibility of Management before and during pilot project Members and offenders not informed timeously Offenders only identified on the morning of survey

SUMMARY OF REPORT ON PILOT STUDY IN GAUTENG (Cont..4)  Obstacles continue: Participation of offenders in sports activities prioritised above survey High level of stigma and fear around HIV and AIDS Lack of vigorous communication and marketing Posters not displayed and pamphlets not handed out

SUMMARY OF REPORT ON PILOT STUDY IN GAUTENG (Cont..5)  Proposed Solutions: Embark on vigorous communication and marketing Launch prevalence survey Encourage participation of Senior Management in Regions and Management Areas Create opportunities for open discussions

SUMMARY OF REPORT ON PILOT STUDY IN GAUTENG (Cont..6)  Proposed solutions continue: Utilization of prominent external people and / or NGO’s during information sessions Combine prevalence survey with other HIV and AIDS Awareness raising event, e.g. voluntary counselling and testing, etc Establish task teams in each Region to manage prevalence survey

SUMMARY OF REPORT ON PILOT STUDY IN GAUTENG (Cont..7)  Proposed Way Forward Survey to be rolled out nationally Proposed solutions to be considered and implemented upon approval of national roll out Embark on mass communication and marketing strategy

ACTION PLAN FOR NATIONAL ROLL-OUT Finalize project plan for national roll-out by service provider Identification of Correctional Centres to draw sample Finalize Communication strategy Briefing / information sessions Distribute list of National Head Office teams led by Deputy Commissioners to support Regions Establish Regional teams Launch at Head Office on 02 October 2006

An Age of hope: a National Effort for Corrections, Rehabilitation and Social Re-integration of Offenders Thank you