Prisons Commissioner urges NGO to help deliver health care to prisons.

Zambia Prisons Service Commissioner Percy Chato has called on Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to come on board and supplement the service’s efforts in improving health services in prisons and the surrounding communities. Mr Chato said SHARe II is the only NGO that is partnering with the service and has taken interest in the welfare of officers and inmates health. Mr Chato said this yesterday during the Zambia Prisons Service HIV/AIDS stations coordinators training workshop organised by SHARe II held at Tuskers Hotel in Kabwe. He said it was important and necessary for NGOs to come on board and help the service fight the many health challenges facing prisons in the country. Mr Chato said the prison service is a fast evolving institution whose scope of operation has kept on widening to suit the global demands of correctional services which include the provision of health care to prisoners. He said Share II is working in 30 prisons and is involved in promoting good health to prison officers and prisoners. Mr Chato added that the hosting of the workshop is timely and welcome because the service is in the process of positioning itself to be providing quality professional health services. He disclosed that during the national VCT day 1200 inmates were sensitised at Kamfinsa State Prison and a total of 937 underwent VCT services out of which 75 inmates tested positive. Mr Chato added that the outreach programme alone speaks volumes of how SHARe II is making a difference in the Prisons Service and called on the participants at the workshop to take the training seriously.