The WHO Health in Prisons Project (HIPP) arose in 1995 because of the recognition of the gap between public health and prison health.
The WHO Health in Prisons Project (HIPP) arose in 1995 because of the recognition of the gap between public health and prison health. The HIV/AIDS epidemic and accompanying resurgence of tuberculosis and other communicable diseases have a higher prevalence in prisons than in the community.
HIPP's main purpose is to support Member States in improving public health by addressing health and health care in prisons, and to facilitate the links between prison health and public health systems at both national and international levels. HIPP established a network on prisons and health with national counterparts in 1995 to liaise between WHO Europe and Member States. Currently 39 national counterparts are included in the network.
A Steering Group for Prisons and Health was established in 2003 that acts as an international Steering Committee for HIPP and promotes action by and enhances international cooperation within the network. HIPP works closely with a WHO Collaborating Centre: the Health and Offender Partnerships, Department of Health, London, United Kingdom.