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Auxilia Katongomara Chronicle Reporter
Ex-convicts receiving anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment are facing challenges in accessing the drugs after their release from prison due to stigmatisation and discrimination by relatives,  an official said.The official said the ex-convicts are then forced to default on treatment which leads to development of drug resistant strains of HIV, posing more health complications.

This was revealed by founder of the Zimbabwe National Organisation for Ex-convicts Aids Activists (ZINOECCA), Pastor Biggie Dube.

Pastor Dube, a former inmate, said his organisation was founded to address situations affecting freed prisoners.

“I founded this organisation while I was still in prison. I’ve realised that most ex-convicts face discrimination and stigmatisation from family and friends soon after their release from prison. They then fear to reveal their status due to the treatment and discrimination they receive from society,” said Dube.

He said some prisoners were behind bars for such a long time that they were not aware of the procedures to follow to receive treatment.

“Besides accessing treatment, ex-convicts also face challenges of accommodation, lack of clothing and nutrition. My organisation therefore tries to rehabilitate and assist the ex-convicts lead a normal life after prison,” he said.

Dube was arrested in 2000 for rape and released in February this year.

The organisation, registered in June, has 500 members who are infected and affected by HIV.

“We’ve so many members now that have joined the club from prison, advocacy begins when they’re still in prison because we realised that after prison, the ex-convicts struggle to catch up with others which then forces them to commit crimes and go back to prison,” said Dube.

“We’ve nurse aides in our organisation who’re there to offer counselling and to refer them to the nearest clinic for treatment. We also urge families to accommodate them and try to give them another chance,” said Dube.

He said his organisation faced challenges of funding as it had embarked on several projects and accommodating some of the desperate ex-convicts.

“As of now some of the inmates are based at my house but I can’t accommodate all of them so we’re appealing for assistance to equip the former prisoners and give them a new lease of life,” said Dube.

ZINOECCA does not only accommodate prisoners from Khami but from other parts of the country as well.

The Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services has indicated that it offers drugs to all ailing prisoners including ARVs although they sometimes face a shortage due to late delivery.