Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the greatest health threats to prisoners, but there are not yet sufficient policies to address this serious problem. The new WHO report, Addressing NCD Burdens in WHO European Prisons: Interventions and Policy Options, is the latest approach to sharing new data, mitigating these risks and benefiting all Member States. Is shown.
NCDs in prison: prioritization and investment needs
More than 1.5 million people have been detained throughout the region, and their health is more vulnerable than those in the outside community.
“Non-communicable diseases cause 71% of the world’s deaths and pose challenges to the healthcare system. However, NCD is not well recognized as an important health problem in prisons, and the main focus is traditionally on infectious diseases. And was in the prevention of injuries, “said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kruge, WHO Regional Director for Europe.
“Underinvestment in NCDs witnessed throughout society is expanding in a prison environment where NCDs are not yet considered a priority.”
Globally, it is estimated that approximately 30 million people travel between prisons and communities each year, most of them experiencing multiple disadvantages. For some people in the area, prisons are the first place in their lives to access medical services.
According to a new WHO publication, prison NCD policies focus on more health factors than before, are consistent with the WHO-recommended approach, and are unique in prison setting both in intervention and policy design and implementation. Should be taken into account.
Cardiovascular and respiratory illness, cancer, and mental health in detention facilities: important facts
The WHO report summarizes data from recent studies on NCD inequality faced by prisoners.
- The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in individuals over the age of 50 living in European prisons is more than three times that of the general population.
- Individuals in prison are reported to be 3-6 times more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease than outside communities.
- Compared to the general public, prisoners are 2-4 times more likely to have psychosis and major depression, and 10 times more likely to have antisocial personality disorder.
- According to data from Canada and the United States, people in prison are diagnosed with cervical cancer at a rate 4-5 times higher than people in the outside community and face a risk of dying from cancer 1.4-1.6 times higher. increase. ..
- Existing NCDs increase the risk of severe COVID-19 or death for individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2.
A new approach to reducing NCD risk in prison
For decades, WHO has focused on the four most important NCD risk factors in detention sites: tobacco and alcohol use, low levels of physical activity, and an unbalanced diet. However, this WHO report shares a new vision that includes environmental pollution and general health management factors as sources of concern.
“In prisons, many NCD risk factors overlap and have a cumulative negative impact on health,” explained Dr. Carina Ferreira Borges, Program Manager for Alcohol, Illegal Drugs and Prison Health in WHO / Europe. ..
“For example, environmental risk is estimated to be responsible for nearly a quarter of deaths, and limited access to health care can leave many underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, out of control. It may be. “
The WHO report underscores the need for more comprehensive data that detention facilities can collect and share with each other to improve their policies. To build relevant capabilities among prison health professionals, the WHO European NCD Prevention and Administration Department has a special training course called “NCD Policy and Behavior Innovation: Courses for Prison Health Workers”. Was announced. WHO is calling on all Member States to participate.
