In many Western countries, including Canada, seroprevalence rates in prisons have reached epidemic levels, with infection rates among prisoners many times higher than among people outside prisons.

The situation is no different in Ireland. As in Canada, the correctional system has reacted to the HIV and HCV crisis in a piecemeal fashion. While the Canadian and Irish correctional systems have a mandate to provide standards of health care comparable to those in the community, each system has chosen to implement HIV programs and services in an incremental and far from comprehensive manner.