One in three prisoners in Europe suffer from mental health disorders, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a new report launched on Tuesday.
While European prisons managed adequate COVID-19 pandemic responses for inmates, concerns remain about poor mental health services, overcrowding and suicide rates, the report stated.
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“Prisons are embedded in communities and investments made in the health of people in prison becomes a community dividend,” said Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge, regional director of the WHO regional office for Europe. “Incarceration should never become a sentence to poorer health. All citizens are entitled to good-quality health care regardless of their legal status.”
Monitoring 600,000 inmates
The second status report on prison health in the WHO European region provides an overview of the performance of prisons in the region based on survey data from 36 countries, where more than 600,000 people are incarcerated.
Findings showed that the most prevalent condition among people in prison was mental health disorders, affecting 32.8 per cent of the prison population.
Established in 2016 to address the information gap on prison health in the region, the WHO Health in Prisons European Database, identifies areas that need attention. It also monitors the health of people in prison with a view to assessing the institutions’ health systems, feeding into health services overall.
“When prisons are excluded from the general health system, local communities can be the hardest hit,” Dr. Kluge cautioned.
Suicide, overcrowding
The report drew attention to several areas of concern, including overcrowding and a lack of services for mental health, which represents the greatest health need among people in prison across the region.
Conducted in 2021, the survey took a retrospective look on 2020, as the world was grappling with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The most common cause of death in prisons was suicide, with a much higher rate than in the wider community, the report found.
In addition, findings showed that one in five Member States reported prison overcrowding, which has various negative consequences for health. The report suggested that alternative non-custodial measures are considered for offences that do not present a high risk to society and where more effective measures exist, such as diversion to treatment for drug use disorders.
Alternatives needed
WHO regional advisor for alcohol, illicit drugs and prison health, Carina Ferreira-Borges, said supporting people released from prison to reintegrate in the community and access health services, can reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
“The issue of overcrowding in prisons evident in this report is an important reminder of our overreliance on incarceration and the need for alternatives,” she said. “Ministries of health play a critical role in protecting the basic human right to health. This report highlights the value of a health and human rights-focused approach in dealing with offenders, providing important insights into the specific steps that can be taken to improve our systems, for people in prison and for all of society.”
Unique programme
WHO advocates for greater involvement of health ministries in the delivery of healthcare in prisons across the region.
The WHO regional office in Europe has been working on prison health since 1995, establishing the world’s only health in prisons programme, which aims at monitoring and providing evidence to inform the development of related policy and legislative frameworks.
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It’s concerning to see that one-third of prisoners in Europe are suffering from mental health disorders. The report highlights the importance of investing in mental health services and addressing the challenges of overcrowding and high suicide rates in prisons.
It’s concerning to see that one in three prisoners in Europe suffer from mental health disorders. Prisons should focus more on providing adequate mental health services to prevent further issues like overcrowding and high suicide rates. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge is right that investing in prisoners’ health is an investment in the well-being of the whole community.
It’s concerning to see that one in three prisoners in Europe are struggling with mental health issues. Adequate mental health services should be a priority in the prison system to ensure the well-being of inmates. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge rightly points out that investing in prisoners’ health benefits the entire community, emphasizing the importance of good-quality healthcare for all individuals, irrespective of their legal status.
It’s concerning that one in three prisoners in Europe are struggling with mental health issues. European prisons need to prioritize mental health services to prevent further suffering. Every individual, regardless of their legal status, deserves access to proper healthcare.
It’s concerning to see that one in three prisoners in Europe are dealing with mental health disorders. The focus should not only be on pandemic responses but also on improving mental health services, reducing overcrowding, and preventing suicides in prisons. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge rightfully points out that investing in prisoners’ health benefits the entire community. Health care should be a right for all, regardless of their legal status.
European prisons seem to be facing a significant challenge with mental health issues among inmates. It’s concerning that one in three prisoners are affected by mental health disorders. The report highlights the importance of investing in mental health services, addressing overcrowding, and reducing suicide rates within these institutions. Dr. Hans Henri P. Kluge’s statement underscores the need for a community-wide approach to prisoner health care, emphasizing that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, irrespective of their legal status.
Do you think enough resources are being allocated to support the mental health needs of prisoners in European prisons?
Do you think enough is being done to support the mental health needs of prisoners in Europe?
Do you think there are enough resources dedicated to addressing mental health issues in European prisons?
Do you think enough resources are allocated to addressing mental health issues in European prisons? How can this be improved?
“It is concerning to hear that one-third of prisoners in Europe are struggling with mental health problems. Mental health should be a priority in all settings, including prisons, to ensure the well-being of individuals and communities.”
It’s alarming to see that one in three prisoners in Europe is struggling with mental health issues. The focus should be on providing adequate mental health services and support to improve their well-being during incarceration.
Do you think the mental health services in European prisons are adequate enough to effectively support the prisoners’ well-being?