HIV and TB are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in prisons and other closed settings and constitute a significant public health issue in all regions of the world. People in prison are 7.2 times more likely to be living with HIV than adults in the general population. Globally, it is estimated that 4.6 per cent of people held in prison are living with HIV.

This technical brief, released by UNODC, ILO, WHO, UNFPA, UNDP and the UNAIDS Secretariat, provides guidance on planning and implementing an effective national response to HIV, hepatitis and TB in prisons and other closed settings. It takes into consideration principles of international law and standards on treatment of people held in prisons, prison health, international standards of HIV programmes and medical ethics, as well as international labour standards.

The brief aims to support decision makers in ministries of justice, authorities responsible for prisons and other closed settings, and ministries of health, social protection, youth and children, gender, and of labour. It can also be useful for non-governmental organizations focusing on HIV services in prisons, as well as for trade unions advocating for health protection and safety.