Control of epidemics by jails: lessons for COVID-19 from HIV

• Authors: Tochi Ohuabunwa, Emory University; Anne Spaulding, Emory University
• Journal Title: Lancet HIV
• Volume: Volume 7, Number 12
• Publisher: Elsevier | 2020-12-01, Pages 798-799
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-3018(20)30195-8
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Biology, Virology
• Keywords: incarceration; HIV-positive; population; Universal test-and-treat (UTT)

Abstract

Of the 10·2 million people incarcerated worldwide, an estimated 3·8% of individuals are HIV-positive, a proportion that varies widely by region.1 To achieve the ambitious UNAIDS 90-90-90 target,2 strategies must address incarcerated people with HIV, as well as those at liberty. Universal test-and-treat (UTT) interventions represent an important step towards achieving these goals; through earlier linkage to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and wider ART coverage among people with HIV, the spread of HIV could be prevented and potentially, the HIV/AIDS epidemic could be ended.3 However, progress towards the HIV/AIDS 90-90-90 targets has not been equally distributed across subpopulations, demographics, or regions. Incarcerated people are especially disadvantaged and at risk.