REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA COMBINED SECOND PERIODIC REPORT UNDER THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLE`S RIGHTS
and INITIAL REPORT UNDER THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA
• HIV prevention requires a comprehensive approach including access to condoms and
water-based lubricants; reducing vulnerability to sexual assault; post-exposure prophylaxis
with established drug regimens including monitoring of drug safety and potential
seroconversion; harm reduction programmes to reduce the risk of HIV-transmission related
to substance abuse; education on risk behaviour and preventive measures with a focus on
men having sex with men; and Male Medical Circumcision (MMC) with adequate counselling
on risk reduction after the intervention.
• HIV- and TB-related stigma and discrimination must be minimised through peer education,
support groups and information campaigns.
• All pregnant women must be referred to the DoH health facilities for prevention of mother
to child transmission of HIV and follow up.
• To prevent TB in pregnancy, TB symptom screening must be conducted on admission and
at every visit to the health facility, regardless of their HIV status. All HIV-positive pregnant
women without TB symptoms must receive IPT.
• TB treatment must be given to all women if indicated.
• All HIV-positive pregnant women must receive ART regardless of their CD4 count.
• All women irrespective of HIV and TB status must be encouraged to breastfeed. If active
TB has been excluded, all infants living with their mothers in correctional centres must be
started on IPT.
• Treatment for prevention of mother-to-child transmission must be completed.
80. The Department of Correctional Services is committed to providing need based care
programmes aimed at maintaining the well-being of all incarcerated persons. These services
provided by the Department largely fall within two streams, firstly, it includes all activities
related to the management of psychological, spiritual, health, social work and HIV/AIDS for
all inmates. These include, among others, the provision of therapy for inmates, life skills and
HIV/AIDS counselling.
Measures to ensure skills development of inmates
81. The DCS focuses on skills development for inmates. Currently the focus is on entrepreneurial
training, computer skills training, vocational training, engineering studies and business
studies. The Department also facilitates the participation of inmates in formal education at
different levels from adult basic education to higher education. Pre-literacy and adult
education programmes are offered up to the Grade 12 level. These costs are all carried by
the Department of Correctional Services. Tertiary education is encouraged at the cost of the
detainee, although the establishment of funding schemes have commenced.
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