It will stop segregating HIV-positive prisoners, a policy opponents say hampers inmates' ability to transition back into society, says Mississippi.

Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union said on Wednesday in a joint release that the decision leaves Alabama and South Carolina as the only states segregating prisoners because of their HIV status.

Mississippi's "courageous decision to replace a policy based on irrational HIV prejudice with a policy based on science, sound correctional practice, and respect for human rights," was applauded by ACLU spokeswoman Margaret Winter.

Winter further said, "The remaining segregation policies in South Carolina and Alabama are a remnant of the early days of the HIV epidemic and continue to stigmatize prisoners and inflict them and their families with a tremendous amount of needless suffering."

The ACLU also added that there is no medical basis for segregating HIV-positive prisoners or for limiting their access to jobs, vocational training and educational programs. (With Inputs from Agencies)