G. Tuberculosis in relation to HIV infection

41. The prison environment is often conducive to tuberculosis transmission and rates may he higher than in the general population. Furthermore, tuberculosis is increasingly associated with HIV/AIDS, so that the presence of HIV-infected prisoners may increase the risk of tuberculosis transmission. Vigorous efforts are therefore needed to reduce the risks related to the environment (e.g., by improving ventilation, reducing overcrowding, and providing adequate nutrition); to detect cases of tuberculosis as early as possible through screening for tuberculosis on entry and at regular intervals during imprisonment, and through contact tracing; and to provide effective treatment.

42. Diagnostic screening for tuberculosis in prison staff should also be available. Treatment programmes for prisoners with tuberculosis should be available in prisons, and adequate follow-up should be ensured when treated prisoners are transferred or released.

43. Epidemiological surveillance of tuberculosis among prison inmates and prison personnel is needed. Special attention should be paid to the early detection of outbreaks of drug-resistant tuberculosis and their control by public health measures. In particular, strategies should be implemented to ensure that prisoners complete tuberculosis treatment regimens.