The Zimbabwe Uniformed Forces Health Services Conference has ended in Victoria Falls with the delegates being challenged to consider debating the distribution of condoms in prisons as a way of mitigating the spread of HIV and AIDS in the country.
- Shocked Zimbabwe prison inmates to get condoms
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Over 200 local and regional delegates attended the 3-day conference.
While the call for distribution of condoms in prisons was loud, some prisoners however opposed the move, saying it will send a wrong signal to their families since men are accommodated on their own and have no access to fairer sex.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Commissioner, Retired Major General Paradzai Zimondi said there is need for further debate on the issue and involve legislators so that if condoms are to be distributed, there is a legal framework to support the move.
During the conference, delegates were also challenged to debate the issue of making it mandatory for prisoners to be tested for HIV since it affects the prisons and correctional services, while creating problems with human rights organisations.-zbc
