Uniformed forces join fight against HIV/AIDS

UNIFORMED forces, who have not been spared from the devastating effects of HIV and Aids, have joined the fight against the pandemic.

Speaking at a Troop medical course graduation ceremony held last Friday at 3 Field Ambulance Company, 33 Reserve Force Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel, Whatmore Ziweni said soldiers would fight without fear of losing life due to injuries.

A total of 15 officers comprising eight soldiers, two Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services and five police officers underwent the Troop medical course, which commenced in March this year.

“You were also introduced to peer education and HIV and AIDS pandemic, which remains the greatest enemy of mankind,” he said.

“I am happy that strategies to reduce the scourge of this disease have been put in place.

“The uniformed forces are not spared from the devastating effects of this pandemic.”

He added: “Running this course is a clear testimony that the Command element attaches paramount importance to the requirements of the Health Services Corps in particular and the uniformed forces in general. The anticipated impact is to boost forces’ morale during combat and peace times. Confidentiality is a principle that is vital in the practice of medicine, hence information you gather from patients shall not be for public dissemination.

“You ought to remember that prosecution is at your heels both in the military and civil courts when confidential medical information is taken to beer halls.”

The syllabus covered topics such as advanced first aid, common medical conditions, basic pharmacology, environmental and personal hygiene.

It also included a civic military relations programme, which will be taught both in the uniformed forces, tertiary colleges and National Strategic Studies.

The best students were Lance Corporal Mutsa Jambaya from ZNA, Constable Winnila Chamutsa from ZRP and Kudzai Alphus Chidawanyika from ZPCS.