Background
Prisoners are a vulnerable group in Kyrgyzstan’s health care system, especially women of reproductive age. Not only are they detained without access to modern health care facilities, but they are also exposed to a setting where diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis and HIV/AIDS are steadily increasing. In 2008, over 70% of the prison inmates were infected by hepatitis B and over 40% with hepatitis C. 45% of the prisoners were also drug users, which contributed to the problem as 80% took drugs intravenously but only 59% used their own syringes.

About the project
This project used peer education to increase the awareness of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and hepatitis B and C among prisoners at Colony 31, Bishkek Prison. The project team prepared a training programme on the prevention of these health issues and trained 140 out of the colony’s 350 prisoners. 40 of these participants took part in an additional “training of trainers”, which also enabled them to train more peer educators.

Results
By the end of this project, the number of prisoners who were informed about HIV/AIDS, STIs and hepatitis B and C hadincreased from 39% to 80%. In addition to this, the number of prisoners following their recommended treatment plans increased from 45% to 95%. Syringe exchange points were also established both in and outside the prison, with the help of Médecins Sans Frontières. Going forward, the project team are planning on implementing peer education programmes in prisons on a national level in Kyrgyzstan, with support from the Ministry of Health.

Year: 2008