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“We sleep 10cm apart so there is no social distancing”: COVID-19 preparedness in a Zimbabwean prison complex

Rosemary Mhlanga-Gunda (Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)
Simbarashe Rusakaniko (Global and Public Health Unit, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)
Anne Nyararai Chinyuku (Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)
Valentine Farai Pswarayi (Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)
Charmaine Sabrina Robinson (Zimbabwe AIDS Prevention Project, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe)
Stephanie Kewley (School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK)
Marie Claire Van Hout (Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK)

International Journal of Prisoner Health

ISSN: 1744-9200

Article publication date: 1 February 2022

Issue publication date: 10 May 2023

144

Abstract

Purpose

Prisons in Africa face unprecedented challenges during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In July 2020, the first prison system case of COVID-19 was notified in Zimbabwe. Subsequently, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services released their COVID-19 operational plan. The purpose of the study was to assess preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in selected prisons in Zimbabwe.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi-method situation assessment of COVID-19 preparedness was conducted across three Zimbabwean prisons. The World Health Organization checklist to evaluate preparedness, prevention and control of COVID-19 in prisons was administered to frontline health managers. Information garnered was further explored during site observation and in multi-stakeholder key informant interviews with policymakers, prison health directorate, frontline health-care professionals, officers in charge and non-governmental organizations (n = 26); focus group discussions with correctional officers (n = 18); and male/female prisoners (n = 36). Data was triangulated and analyzed using content thematic analysis.

Findings

Outdated infrastructure, severe congestion, interrupted water supply and inadequate hygiene and sanitation were conducive to ill-health and spread of disease. Health professionals had been well-trained regarding COVID-19 disease control measures. COVID-19 awareness among prisoners was generally adequate. There was no routine COVID-19 testing in place, beyond thermo scanning. Access to health care was good, but standards were hindered by inadequate medicines and personnel protective equipment supply. Isolation measures were compromised by accommodation capacity issues. Flow of prison entries constituted a transmission risk. Social distancing was impossible during meals and at night.

Originality/value

This unique situation assessment of Zimbabwean prisons’ preparedness and approach to tackling COVID-19 acknowledges state and prison efforts to protect prisoners and staff, despite infrastructural constraints and inadequate resourcing from government.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

First and foremost, the authors acknowledge all study participants, both male and female prisoners, prison wardens and officers at the selected prisons and all key informants, without whose kind permission, this study would never have been successful. They also thank the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services for giving us permission to conduct this study.

Funding Statement: The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) Small Grants Scheme 2021, Liverpool John Liverpool John Moore's University, 2021.

Citation

Mhlanga-Gunda, R., Rusakaniko, S., Chinyuku, A.N., Pswarayi, V.F., Robinson, C.S., Kewley, S. and Van Hout, M.C. (2023), "“We sleep 10cm apart so there is no social distancing”: COVID-19 preparedness in a Zimbabwean prison complex", International Journal of Prisoner Health, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 157-180. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJPH-10-2021-0101

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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