HIV/AIDS in Lebanese prisons: challenges and proposed actions

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the extent of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) crisis in Lebanese prisons, propose functional reforms for Roumieh prisons (the country's largest male top-security prison), and outline the main challenges to HIV/AIDS prevention, intervention, and treatment.

All recommendations were based on previous successful stories, international prison standards as well as cultural considerations.

This paper argues that prevention and interventions starts within the prison community including inmates, guards, and other prison and provision of appropriate health care, education, and prison infrastructure.

These strategies are not only important in limiting prevention and transmission of HIV/AIDS, but also contribute in optimizing quality of life within the prison system.

This paper is the first of its kind to discuss the prison situation in Lebanese prisons in terms of public health promotion and reforms.