HIV/AIDS in Lebanese prisons: challenges and proposed actions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the extent of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) crisis in Lebanese prisons, propose functional reforms for Roumieh prisons (the country's largest male top-security prison), and outline the main challenges to HIV/AIDS prevention, intervention, and treatment.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: All recommendations were based on previous successful stories, international prison standards as well as cultural considerations.

FINDINGS: This paper argues that prevention and interventions starts within the prison community including inmates, guards, and other prison and provision of appropriate health care, education, and prison infrastructure.

SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS: These strategies are not only important in limiting prevention and transmission of HIV/AIDS, but also contribute in optimizing quality of life within the prison system.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper is the first of its kind to discuss the prison situation in Lebanese prisons in terms of public health promotion and reforms.