Government says it regrets that Tuberculosis and other related illnesses afflict prisoners in most prisons across the country.
And Government says it is committed to upholding the rights of people in the country through robust health policies not only in disease control and management but also observance of human rights.
Home Affairs Minister Mkhondo Lungu, however, notes that disease is the major challenge for prisoners due to congestion.
Mr. Lungu says statistics indicate that tuberculosis related illnesses continues to be a serious health challenge in most prisons and called on Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the country to join hands with Government to address the situation.
The Minister said this in Lusaka today when he launched the TB-Reach Project at Lusaka Central Prison which was facilitated by the Center for Infectious Diseases Research in Zambia (CIDRZ).
Mr. Lungu said the launch of the TB-Reach Project was a milestone that will mitigate the effects and impact of TB in prisons.
The main objective of the programme is to establish a routine entry screening and improve infection control, establish routine provision of preventive therapy in prisons at Lusaka Central, Livingstone and Kabwe prisons respectively.
He has since commended the Zambia Prisons Authority for having been keen to implement such projects from Organisations outside the Government.
And speaking earlier, Commissioner of Prisons Percy Chato appealed to Government through Public Management Division to authorise the Prisons Department to establish a fully fledged medical health Directorate at the three prisons.
Mr. Chato further commended CIDRZ and Government through its line ministries for the US$1 million Grant that will go towards the project.
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