HIV Prisoners Denied Food, Drugs: Zambia Court

Zambia's High Court heard that prisoners who are HIV-positive were being denied access to drugs and a balanced diet.

Zambia's High Court heard that prisoners who are HIV-positive were being denied access to drugs and a balanced diet. Convicted prisoner George Mwanza has accused the authorities of violating his human rights and those of other HIV-positive inmates by failing to provide them with adequate care.

"I have been prevented from accessing the anti-retroviral drugs and therapy from the clinic," Mwnaza -- who is awaiting trial for statutory rape -- told a courtroom packed with HIV/AIDS activists clad in white T-shirts.

AIDS/HIV Treatment - Drugs - Proteas Inhibitors - NRTIs - NNRTIs
Encyclopedia section of medindia explains in brief about the treatment for AIDS/HIV

Priti Patel of the non-governmental Southern Africa Litigation Centre said the case was "the first of its kind" and could have massive repercussions given the high levels of HIV in Zambia's jails.

More than one in 10 Zambians is HIV-positive.

Mwnaza and his co-plaintiff claim that because of prison staff shortages the government is unable to provide enough wardens to escort them to the clinics and that HIV-positive prisoners received a standard diet of bean and nshima, a thick corn meal porridge that is a staple in Zambia.

Quiz on HIV / AIDS
Statistics tell us that the world HIV+ population has risen drastically from 8 million in 1990 to a whopping 33 million in 2007! Even more alarming is the fact that young people (below the age of 25) account for half of these infections! This is adequate proof for the lack of awareness among the general public even in these modern times. So take our quiz and brush up on the essential facts of HIV/AIDS.

There are 10 questions on HIV / AIDS in this quiz that will explore the depth of your knowledge and provide answers to the following:

Immune control of HIV ()
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS ()
Cure for AIDS ()
Acute HIV syndrome ()
World AIDS day ()
Western blot ()

HIV sufferers are advised to eat a varied diet of eggs, vegetables, meat, fruits and vegetables.

HIV/AIDS Risk Calculator
The HIV risk quiz helps you determine risk factors for HIV.

"The last time I had an egg was in June," Mwanza said.

Mwanza also argued that overcrowding only worsens their condition, exposing them to opportunistic infections.

20% Gay, Bisexual Men Unaware About Their HIV Positive Status
About one in five gay or bisexual men do not know about their HIV positive status.

He has suffered continuous diarrhoea and has contracted tuberculosis twice while being held with 91 other inmates in a cell meant for 20, he told the court.

The capacity of Lusaka Central Prison, where Mwanza is incarcerated, is 200 but it houses more than 1,600 inmates.

At the end of Monday's hearing the judge adjourned proceedings until March 11.

Source-AFP