SANNIQUELLIE, NIMBA COUNTY — More than 40 inmates at the Sanniquellie Central Prison have been affected by Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, insiders have told FrontPageAfrica.
By Franklin Doloquee
They described the incident as an effect of a “shockingly poor” state of hygiene and health services in the 62-year-old facility.
Senior officials, including those in charge of the facility, have attempted a coverup, this newspaper learnt.
Also, officials, who should know because their role involves receiving reports on such development, have been kept in the dark, FrontPageAfrica understands.
A senior official expressed shock that “such thing could be happening and I will not know but I will not dismiss it.”
The prison has an installed capacity of 150 inmates but currently holds about 300, an official said. Medical experts say
Hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus. It can happen through exposure to infected blood and other bodily fluids in the following situations: sharing needles and another injecting drug equipment. sharing razors, toothbrushes or nail clippers.
Nimba County Health Team Officer, Dr. Ponnie Robert Lee Dolo, confirmed the report but said they are planning to set up a committee to investigate and come out with a report.
Due to a weak and sluggish criminal justice system in Liberia, many suspects still undergoing trial languish in prisons, causing severe overcrowding in the facilities.
At the beginning of August, according to a source with direct knowledge of the situation, 56 inmates were infected. But by the middle of the month, more than 40 are said to have been affected.
As the prison remains overcrowded with poor healthcare and ration for inmates, many more inmates are feared infected.
