HIV, HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C IN PRISONS

That this House notes that a survey by the Department of Health of blood borne virus in prisoners in 1997 showed much higher rates of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C amongst prisoners than is present in the general population; believes that prisons present a good opportunity to reach many of those with blood borne viruses with testing, diagnosis, treatment and education; is deeply concerned that no repeat survey has been conducted in the last 10 years; and joins the National AIDS Trust, British Liver Trust, the Hepatitis B Foundation and the Hepatitis C Trust in calling for the Government to conduct a new anonymous sero-survey of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C prevalence in prisons to obtain the necessary evidence to respond effectively to this growing health problem.