Infectious diseases, particularly HIV, Tuberculosis and Hepatitis, pose formidable challenges for correctional jurisdictions worldwide. In addition to the obvious health and safety issues these diseases consume a considerable amount of increasingly scarce correctional (prison) resources. Many correctional jurisdictions have responded by developing innovative programmes and protocols to face these challenges.

In an effort to share these innovations with colleagues in the Corrections Services from around the world, the International Relations Committee of the American Correctional Association (ACA) undertook discussions and established a Committee which commenced the task of compiling this international compendium of current practices to address the issue of infectious diseases in prisons. With the support of the ACA, early activities of this project were carried out jointly be the staff of the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) and the International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy (the International Centre). A generous financial contribution from the Open Society Institute (Soros Foundation) ensured continuation of the project under the direction of the International Centre. To ensure that this document reaches as many of our correctional colleagues around the world as possible, it is being published and distributed as a joint initiative of the International Centre and the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA).

Our research began with the distribution of approximately 120 letters inviting jurisdictions worldwide to share their ideas relating to infectious diseases in prisons. Respondents were asked to provide a summary of their innovative programmes and practices related to the prevention, screening, treatment of and education about infectious diseases in the correctional environment. They were asked to highlight key aspects of the programme so that readers would be able to determine the potential of transferability to their jurisdictions. Respondents were also asked to provide names and contact information for appropriate individuals within their organizations responsible for these programmes. From the 120 letters sent out, over ninety responses were received from various correctional jurisdictions worldwide.

The overwhelming number of responses received did not allow for each one to be individually profiled. In many cases there was duplicate information, or at least some similarities, amongst the responses submitted. As a result, there has been significant synthesis and paraphrasing of the responses to establish a uniform and logical structure of the compendium.

The compendium itself presents general and disease-specific practices for screening/diagnosis, prevention and treatment of infected inmates. Where possible, descriptions of practices or programmes are followed by the names of the participating jurisdiction/authorities for ease of reference. In addition, a cumulative list of these programmes, grouped by jurisdiction, is provided in Appendix I. A contact list comprised of individuals identified by the participating jurisdiction, is also provided as an additional resource in the compendium (Appendix VI). This list invites the reader to consult and/or correspond with colleagues from around the world in an attempt to tackle the most challenging and pressing prison and public health issue. Additional appendixes provide programme and organizational Internet sites to assist with future research efforts.