UEDF commits to zero new HIV infections

PHOCWENI – The Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) has made a commitment to have no new transmissions of HIV among the military population.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Mashikilisane Fakudze shared that he had been made aware that the country continued to have new infections, especially among the younger populations.

“As UEDF, we will work together with other stakeholders to ensure that our young troops access HIV prevention interventions that include voluntary medical circumcision, condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis and other proven biomedical and behavioural interventions. Ngiyacela kini masotja, bekani imphilo yenu phambili,” he implored.

General Fakudze further conveyed his deepest and sincere gratitude to PEPFAR Department of Defence, which is their long-term partners in the fight, working through URC as an implementing partner in supporting their clinics.

The army commander highlighted that some of the support included human resources, infrastructure upgrades, decentralisation of HIV services and clinical care.

Screening

He mentioned that the UEDF facilities had been offering annual screening services to all troops. He urged them all to visit the unit clinics and access these services for free. “I have also been made aware that diseases like high blood pressure, cancers and diabetes mellitus are on the increase.

“I, therefore, implore all military personnel to take time and screen for these illnesses. As a military working with our partners and government, we strive to reach a point where there are no new transmissions of HIV among the military population, our dependants and civilian population serviced by our clinics,” Fakudze pledged.