359 inmates live with HIV, all infected before their incarceration

During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam provided details about the health situation within prisons. In response to a question from MP Arvin Babajee, elected from Savanne/Rivière-Noire, he outlined the statistics concerning the prison population, the presence of female inmates, and the monitoring of individuals living with HIV.

Referring to information provided by the Commissioner of Prisons, the Prime Minister stated that as of December 4, 2025, Mauritian prisons housed 2,848 inmates, including 214 women. These figures were presented in response to the first part of the parliamentary question.

Addressing the situation of HIV-positive individuals, Navin Ramgoolam mentioned that 359 inmates are HIV-positive, which represents 12.6% of the prison population. According to data gathered from the Commissioner of Prisons, "all inmates undergo a medical examination, including an HIV screening test, upon admission." Some are already aware of their HIV status prior to their arrival in detention, while others are diagnosed during the tests conducted at entry. The Prime Minister clarified that for the 359 individuals concerned, "all were already living with HIV before their incarceration."

Responding to the question regarding treatment, Navin Ramgoolam noted that the inquiry was about antiretroviral therapies. He asserted that "inmates diagnosed as HIV-positive are immediately placed on antiretroviral treatment." He added that this treatment "is administered in accordance with the guidelines of the World Health Organization and national health protocols." Medical follow-up is provided "continuously and without interruption," including during transfers between correctional facilities, court appearances, or hospitalizations.