|
|
|
SWAZILAND: Army to Reject HIV-Positive Recruits
[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]
JOHANNESBURG, 23 December (PLUSNEWS) - Swaziland officials announced last week that the country's armed forces would not accept HIV-positive recruits.
"The army is experiencing a rise in HIV/AIDS-related illnesses and deaths, and this has adverse effects on the overall mission and preparedness, and may eventually lead to insecurity in the country," the Royal Defence Force was quoted as saying in a policy statement.
HIV testing would also extend to all army personnel, including air controllers who are part of the military, Reuters reported.
Lobby groups have criticised the policy as discriminatory, saying it would provoke a personnel crisis. "Army recruitment is likely to suffer because HIV testing is unpopular, and in Swaziland it is taboo to acknowledge that you are HIV-positive," said AIDS activist Thulani Simelane.
[ENDS]
MORE NEWS BRIEFS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Links |
Le portail d'informations générales de la Côte d’Ivoire
|
The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria
|
AEGIS
|
Mothers and HIV/AIDS
|
|
PlusNews does not take responsibility for info in links supplied.
|
|
|
|
|
[Back] [Home Page]
Click here to send any feedback, comments or questions you have about PlusNews Website or if you prefer you can send an Email to Webmaster
Copyright © IRIN 2005
The material contained on www.PlusNews.org comes to you via IRIN, a UN humanitarian news and information service, but may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations or its agencies.
All PlusNews material may be reposted or reprinted free-of-charge; refer to the IRIN copyright page for conditions of use. IRIN is a project of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
|
