National Assembly’s Committee on HIV/Aids and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights |08 May 2018

Members apprised of issues impacting on sexual reproductive health rights of inmates

Insufficient sexual and reproductive health education, access to condoms and contraceptives, increase in HIV infection are but some of the issues inmates and Montagne Posée prison authorities discussed with members of the National Assembly’s Committee on HIV/Aids and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.

National Assembly members of that committee visited the prison last week to obtain first-hand information on issues related to reproductive health and rights of the inmates which are impacting either directly or indirectly on them, but could subsequently have adverse effects on other inmates as well as the community once they are released.

The Committee on HIV/Aids and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights members said they had a very interactive discussion with the inmates who asked a lot of questions and sought clarification on numerous sexual health related issues which gave them (the committee members) a better idea of the current situation at the prison.

In general, members of the committee are not satisfied with the fact that there is a lack of awareness among inmates on HIV/Aids, sexual and reproductive health and rights at the Montagne Posée prison.

Various other related issues were also discussed including the drug problem especially heroin and access to methadone.

Vice-chairperson of the Assembly committee, elected member for Beau Vallon John Hoareau stated that during the visit they got the opportunity to interact with both male and female inmates.  

“We learned of a lot of issues that are contributing factors to increase HIV infections at the prison. These include unprotected sexual contacts, intravenous drug use among others. The inmates are at exceptional risk for infection with HIV/Aids without the proper guidance and knowledge while being incarcerated,” said Mr Hoareau.

He added that the inmates should be better educated on how to protect themselves while having sexual intercourse with the same sex.

“Prisoners represent a crucial and huge target population for HIV education programmes. Inmates are more at risk due to the lack of education in prison regarding sexually transmitted diseases and how they can be transmitted,” he said.

The information gathered at the prison premises will be used by members who will work on two relevant motions to be tabled before the House.

Last year around 30 inmates were infected with HIV/Aids.

Other members of the Committee on HIV/Aids and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights who visited the prison are elected member for Baie Lazare François Adelaide, elected member for Roche Caïman Audrey Vidot, elected member for inner islands Noline Sophola, elected member for Glacis Regina Esparon and elected member for Port Glaud Egbert Aglaé.  

The chairperson of the committee, elected member for Plaisance Clive Roucou could not attend the visit due to health reasons.