In Australia, the figure appears to be less than 0.5 per cent. However, Malaysia reported that around 4.6 per cent of the total prison population is HIV positive. Whilst New Zealand does not face a major problem with the majority of inmates, Maori and Pacific Islanders tend to have a higher rate of infection. Although HIV is not the most pressing health issue in prisons in the region, it has brought some important issues to the fore. In particular, the question arises as to whether HIV positive inmates should be segregated or held with the mainstream prison population.
Practices differ across the region.
In Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia, for example, the policy is one of separation due to concern about the possible spread of the disease through the sharing of needles or sexual activity. In part, this policy reflects the need for confidentiality of medical records in those jurisdictions. A prisoner's HIV status is known only to medical personnel and, possibly, to senior managers. This leads on to another point of discussion, highlighted by the representative from Thailand namely, the health and safety of prison staff as well as prisoners. The paper from China made a similar point.