The soldiers are not eligible to go for lucrative peace-keeping missions because of their status.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, an army major who just missed going on a United Nations peace-keeping mission, said that a medical examination was carried out among candidates and as he is HIV positive he was excluded.
“Many people are eager to go for the missions. But it is army practice that people should be tested first and those who are found to be sick are not eligible,” he said.
A brigadier in the army confirmed to The Zimbabwean that indeed soldiers who test positive are not eligible for the missions.
The HIV and AIDS Activists Union President, Bernard Nyathi, said the army was breaking the laws of the country by carrying out tests on soldiers.
“The law says that people should not be tested for HIV/AIDS when they are employed. A person can only reveal his status if he/she wishes to, and if the army is denying people living with HIV the opportunity to go for peace keeping missions then its unfortunate,” said Nyathi.
Contacted to comment, Minister of Defence Emmerson Mnangagwa said, "I will call you later."
Post published in: News