The health authorities of the Isiro central prison have raised serious concern by announcing the presence of about thirty cases of tuberculosis among the inmates. These alarming figures reflect the unhealthy and overcrowded conditions of the penitentiary, which are conducive to the spread of infectious diseases.
The medical director of the Isiro general referral hospital, Dr. David Kamalu, highlighted the risks faced by the inmates, who not only face tuberculosis, but also other skin infections such as scabies and mycosis. These deplorable conditions of detention exacerbate promiscuity and unsanitary conditions, thus favoring the transmission of these diseases within the prison population.
Faced with this critical situation, Dr. Kamalu calls on the provincial government of Haut-Uele to take immediate and effective measures. He emphasizes the urgency of isolating infected inmates in order to contain the spread of infections within the prison. It is imperative to disinfect places of detention and put in place appropriate treatment protocols to ensure the health and safety of detainees.
This alarming situation has prompted the governor of the province, Jean Bakomito, to order the intervention of a medical team to take care of sick prisoners. However, these temporary measures will not be able to solve the underlying problem related to the deplorable living conditions of detainees at Isiro Central Prison. It is essential that more structural actions be taken to ensure detention conditions that comply with public health standards.
The health of detainees must not be sacrificed in the name of incarceration. It is the responsibility of the competent authorities to ensure a healthy and safe prison environment to prevent the spread of diseases and guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of incarcerated persons. It is high time to act to end this health crisis that disproportionately affects detainees at Isiro Central Prison.