PRISONERS with Hepatitis C must be granted access for treatment for the virus, said Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) today.

The commission said a Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening done in three prisons in 2018 showed that numerous prisoners had contracted the contagious virus during their detained period.

“The dangers of non-treatment are very worrying. Even though the patients are in prisons, they do have health rights. If they were infected in prisons and weren’t given treatment, this is unfair.

“Ensure that they have access to screening, to treatment and waive the cost for the treatment,” Suhakam commissioner Jerald Joseph told reporters at a press conference today.

He was referring to a Positive Malaysian Treatment Access & Advocacy Group (MTAAG+) HCV screening at three prisons – Pengkalan Chepa Prison in Kelantan, Bentong Prison in Pahang, and Seremban Prison in Negri Sembilan – in 2018.

He added that the results showed 40% of the 60 inmates in each prison who conducted voluntary screening were HCV positive.

Suhakam said it has highlighted the issue with government agencies, the United Nations (UN) agencies and civil society groups last month.

“HCV is 10 times more contagious compared to HIV (human immunodeficiency viruses). The infection spreads through the bloodstream and can live outside the human body for several weeks.

“There are no specific symptoms, but it can be detected through an initial screening test. And if it is not treated, HCV can cause impaired liver function and the possibility of liver cancer,” Jerald said.

Currently, the Health Ministry is working with the Malaysian Prison Department on the issue but Suhakam has found less effort taken at immigration depots.

Based on the World Health Organisation (WHO), 30% of HCV patients heal naturally without treatment. The other majority experience chronic hepatitis, and if not treated, 15-30% will face the risk of liver cancer within 20 years.

During the press conference, Suhakam also said most detention centres in Malaysia have a contagion effect of skin diseases such as scabies due to overcrowding and cleaning facilities that are not up to mark. – January 21, 2021.