Prisoners and detainees access to health services in Southern African countries (Southern African Development Community/ SADC )

Almost 668,000 of 918,000 of prisoners in Africa are in Sub-Saharan Africa where Southern Africa itself makes up 10% of the total number of prisoners in Africa. Therefore the study main objectives are in line with the need to assess the treatments and condition of prisoners and detainees in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries. In particular, the study evaluates and assesses the potentials of the relevant legal, policy, procedural and practice for the right to health and the treatment of detainees in the SADC Region. The other objectives of the study are to identify and discuss challenges faced by prisoners and detainees in the SADC Region; and advocate for opportunities for health awareness for both staffs and prisoners in the SADC Region. The study is a desk based. In conducting this research primary and secondary data will be used. The SADC Lawyers’ Association report on prisons visit in some SADC countries will inform our recommendations. The study finds that lack of health services in some countries or their inappropriateness in other countries significantly contribute to the vulnerability of prisoners. It is suggested that Governments should allocate sufficient fund for the management of prison and that regular inspections or monitoring systems should be put in place