ACHPR/37/OS/11/437 21 hospitals. Inmates specifically complained that the prison authorities are not quick enough to transfer sick inmates to hospital. The authorities explained that this was due to lack of a vehicle for transport (Bafang, Mfou Women’s Prison), insufficient staff (New Bell, Yaunde), fear of prisoners’ escaping (Maroua), and the prison authorities being not informed about the seriousness of the health of the concerned prisoners (in all prisons). HIV/AIDS There is no information availed to the Special Rapporteur on the level of the spread of HIV/AIDS among prisoners in the prisons and police stations, and the gendarmeries. The Special Rapporteur, however, notes that such should not be the acceptable state of affairs given the potential threat posed by the pandemic. Similarly, the authorities were not in a position to enlighten the Special Rapporteur on the level of homosexuality being practiced in prisons, and other places of detention. Given the increasing frustration of inmates by the lack of basic amenities like soaps and toiletries, and the alarming rate of congestion, the existence of problem and its threat should not be underestimated. Behaviour of staff vis-à-vis the prisoners While strongly recommending the increment of the prison wardens’ number to deal with the growing number of inmates, the Special Rapporteur wishes to highlight the importance of adequate training in control techniques, physical control and body searches to significantly reducing prisoner abuse, intimidation, and the risk of lack of respect for the dignity of prisoners thereby partially solving the complaints about abuse on the part of inmates. With respect to official policy, the Special Rapporteur also recommends to the authorities involved in the administration of prisons, police cells and the gendarmeries to make it clearly understood to prison staff that all forms of ill treatment inflicted on inmates, including abusive language, are intolerable and will be severely punished. Prison personnel must also be aware that the recommendations made by their superiors with regard to the treatment of prisoners must be strictly adhered to. This should also be true with the regular forces and the police. Problems of access to legal assistance and justice - During the visit, many inmates complained of lack of access to a lawyer or legal representative, lack of knowledge of their rights and the court procedures, lack of judges, all causing delays in the delivery of judgement.