Guidance Note: Services for People in Prisons and Other Closed Settings

Globally, prisons and other closed settings are characterized by relatively high prevalence of HIV, hepatitis B and C and tuberculosis (TB) and relatively higher risks for transmission together with lower access to health services. Isolated from public health services, including national AIDS or TB programmes, prisons and other closed settings are often seriously neglected in country responses to address HIV and TB prevention, treatment and care. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS advocate for the implementation of evidence-based interventions that aim to ensure access to services for populations at higher risk. This includes a comprehensive programme for the prevention, treatment and care of HIV and TB among people in prisons and other closed settings.