Police force "ignorant" about AIDS

MALAWI: Police force "ignorant" about AIDS

JOHANNESBURG, 19 Aug 2005 (PLUSNEWS) - The first survey of its kind conducted in Malawi has revealed that the national police force has limited knowledge about HIV prevention and transmission.

The 'Behavioural Surveillance Survey (BSS) 2004' indicated that police officers were especially poorly informed about AIDS, with only 3 percent of policemen and 7 percent of policewomen being aware of the ABC's (Abstinence, Be faithful and consistent Condom use) as a means of prevention.

Survey coordinator Nellie Myburgh said the study found that most male respondents - especially truckdrivers, fishermen, policemen and secondary schools teachers - had multiple sex partners because they needed "variety in their sex life".

According to the local Chronicle newspaper, the BSS recommended that AIDS information be incorporated into police training, and that HIV voluntary counselling and testing services be provided in all police clinics and health facilities.

[ENDS]

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