Overview

Teh Global Prisons Infectious Diseases network (GPIDN), building on the work of the former International Network for the Health of Prisoners (inhssu) Prisoners Executive Committee (established in 2018 and continued in 2024), has launched as an self-reliant organization. The GPIDN is dedicated to leading knowledge exchange, research, policy advocacy, and collaboration to prevent⁤ and manage infectious diseases within custodial settings worldwide.

Custodial settings – including prisons, jails, community corrections programs like probation and parole, and other closed environments – often experience higher rates of infectious disease transmission due to factors like overcrowding, limited access to healthcare, and shared living⁤ spaces.⁢ The GPIDN aims to address these challenges through a collaborative, ⁤global ‍approach.

Focus Areas

The Network focuses on preventing⁤ and ⁢treating prevalent infectious diseases in custodial environments,specifically:

• hepatitis C (HCV)
• Hepatitis B (HBV)
• HIV
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

These diseases ⁢pose notable public health risks,both within ⁣correctional facilities ⁣and in ‍the broader ‍community. Effective prevention and treatment strategies are crucial for protecting incarcerated individuals and reducing the spread ⁣of infection upon release. according to the ⁣World health Organization, prisons can act as amplifiers of infectious diseases, contributing to outbreaks in the wider population (WHO: HIV in Prisons).

Inaugural Conference and Future Engagement

The GPIDN will host its inaugural annual⁢ conference on October 20 & 21, 2025. This invitation-only⁣ event will gather stakeholders from around the⁣ globe to foster collaboration⁤ and build momentum for improved prevention and management of⁣ infectious diseases in custodial settings. The GPIDN website details the conference’s objectives and anticipated outcomes.

Broader registration for the conference is expected to open in 2026, alongside a call ⁢for research abstract submissions. This will provide⁢ a wider possibility for researchers and practitioners to share their work and contribute to the field.

Get Involved

Membership in the Global Prisons Infectious Diseases Network is free and offers several benefits,⁤ including:

• Regular ⁣updates on projects and initiatives
• Opportunities to participate in Network activities
• Advance notice of future conferences
• Access to the latest research news and resources

Join the GPIDN as a member to stay informed and contribute to this important work.

The GPIDN ⁣website serves as the central hub ‍for information on infectious diseases in custodial settings, Network updates, resources, events, and global collaborations.

Network Leadership

The Global Prisons Infectious Diseases network was established by the‍ former inhssu Prisoners Executive Committee, comprised‍ of Andrew Loyd, Yumi Sheehan,⁣ Matthew Akyama, Nadine Kronfli, ⁤Joaquin Cakezas, Julia Sheehan, and Nonso Maduka. For inquiries, contact the network ⁤at GPIDn@unsw.edu.au.