Uganda Police is rolling out a new health screening program for all detainees entering police cells, aiming to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. This initiative, funded by the Global Fund, ensures that suspects are screened for HIV, TB, and Malaria upon booking.

The need for improved medical screening facilities arose after information from criminal justice system officers highlighted gaps in equitable health access for both suspects and inmates.

The program, known as the "Breaking the Barriers Initiative," seeks to curb the transmission of HIV, TB, and Malaria among detainees. The three-year project mandates that all suspects undergo testing for these conditions before being placed in detention.

Dr. Bernard Ndiwalana, head of clinical services at the Uganda Police Force (UPF), explains that the initial screening provides essential information about the health of suspects before they are held in police cells.

According to Dr. Ndiwalana, "The data captured from the suspects enables them to detect those who are infected with HIV, so that arrangements are made for them to continue with their treatment, despite living under detention."

He adds that suspects diagnosed with malaria receive immediate treatment to prevent complications such as anemia or death. For TB, those who test positive are isolated in designated rooms, allowing timely medical intervention.

Dr. Ndiwalana also notes that many police cells are small, which complicates isolation protocols. He states that plans are underway to improve isolation facilities at stations nationwide to prevent the spread of contagious diseases during detention.

To facilitate continuity of care, special registers have been established in police stations to capture medical data of detainees, which is shared with relevant institutions across the criminal justice system.

Barbara Masinde, Chief State Attorney of Makindye and project coordinator, says the initiative began in 2018 following a baseline survey that revealed violations of inmates’ right to healthcare.

Masinde emphasizes that the Global Fund project has improved access to screening services, increased medication uptake among infected detainees, and reduced the spread of infectious diseases within detention facilities. She explains, "These are Standard Operating Procedures-SOPs, which were signed by the Inspector General of Police, allowing compulsory screening of suspects to TB and other illnesses. This breaks the chain of new infections among suspects detained in the same cell and enables isolation before further prosecutions."

She adds that progress has been significant, with 91% of inmates now having access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, police officers are being trained as first responders to detect and screen for illnesses early, ensuring prompt medical care for newly arrested suspects.

The initiative represents a major step toward equitable healthcare in Uganda's criminal justice system, reducing the risk of contagious disease outbreaks and safeguarding the health of detainees.

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