Egypt, UN seal deal to undergo medical check ups for prisoners

journalists from Al Jazeera and others, accused of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, watch courtroom proceedings from cages in Cairo's Tora prison

Egypt's Ministry of Interior and the United Nations have signed a cooperation protocol to undergo tests for inmates against Hepatitis B or C, HIV and aids, National HIV Officer at the UN Office on Drugs & Crime Mohamed Hamad said on Saturday.

In statements to MENA, Hamad said that the protocol will come into effect as of next January, adding that the experimental phase includes undergoing medical check ups for prisoners in three flagship prisons.

He made the remarks during a forum organized by the Prisons Sector in El Marg Prison under the rubric "Egyptian Prisons... Features of Update and Upgrade".

UN Office on Drugs & Crime will coordinate with the ministries of interior and health to provide treatment for the infected inmates, Hamad noted.

Treatment and care will be offered for released prisoners as well.

Source: MENA