The European Union Agency for Drugs and Drug Abuse has recognized the project of the Directorate for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions and the Clinic for Infectious Diseases, a pilot program for the micro-elimination of hepatitis C in the prison system, as an example of good practice and has included it on its official website.
"This program, based on motivational workshops, voluntary testing, modern diagnostics and therapy with DAA drugs, has been recognized as a sustainable model even in conditions of limited resources. It was particularly emphasized that the motivational workshops, which are implemented by doctors on a voluntary basis, played a key role in involving the target group in the treatment process," UIKS announced.
The results show that 102 people were tested, of whom 45 had active HCV infection, and 14 successfully completed therapy.
"This recognition at the European level confirms the importance of joint action in improving the health care of persons deprived of their liberty and is an incentive for the further development of the program," they said.
"Vijesti" reported in July that in just fifteen days, thanks to the cooperation of the Administration for the Execution of Criminal Sanctions and the Institute of Public Health, more than a hundred prisoners were tested for hepatitis B and C and HIV.
Thanks to the activities of the UIKS Health Care Sector, in less than a year and a half, these viruses were detected in 47 prisoners, and 14 were cured.
The plan is that in the coming period, all persons admitted to prison will be tested for hepatitis C, in order to eradicate this disease among prisoners.
Data provided to "Vijesti" shows that 2023 prisoners were tested for hepatitis and HIV from September 103 to the end of last year - hepatitis C was detected in 43 people, B in two, while two prisoners tested positive for HIV. 14 people were cured, while six began treatment.
Hepatitis B is predominantly transmitted sexually, but also through blood and other body fluids. On the other hand, hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, or objects and utensils contaminated with infected blood. There is a safe and effective vaccine for hepatitis B, which is part of the regular vaccination schedule in Montenegro, and is administered according to clinical and epidemiological indications in adults. There is no vaccine against hepatitis C, but there is a very effective therapy, especially if administered in the early stages of the disease.
The rate of hepatitis C among prisoners varies significantly - in Western Europe it is 15,4 percent, in Eastern Europe it is 20,7, while in some countries it is estimated at between 0,5 and 2,5 percent.
From the UIKS Health Care Sector, headed by Dr. Vesna Mitic Lakušić, previously pointed out that around 60 percent of detained and imprisoned persons report having tried some type of drug, and the dynamics of the spread of hepatitis C, in addition to the large number of addicts, is also influenced by collective accommodation, conjugal visits and weekend visits, which can also affect transmission in the general population.
Activities related to intensive testing in the prison system have been proposed and included in the Drug Action Plan 2024-2025. Drug Strategy.
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