Being HIV positive will soon no longer be a barrier for serving in the armed forces, it has been announced on #WorldAIDSDay.
Let’s dive into the specifics of this very overdue step towards eradicating HIV & AIDS stigma…
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People with HIV are currently not able to join the armed forces, and anyone diagnosed while serving is no longer deemed ‘fully fit’ and banned from certain operations 🙃
But from today, those who do not have HIV but are taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication to protect themselves against infection will be able to join and serve with no restrictions.
And, more importantly, those who are HIV positive will be permitted to take part in operations under reforms expected to come in during the spring, the Ministry of Defence has announced 👏
Even MORE importantly, ‘urgent work’ is underway to allow people with HIV, but on treatment and whose blood tests show no detectable virus, to also join.
A charity has hailed the ‘momentous’ news, saying there is ‘absolutely no reason’ why people living with HIV should not serve.
It comes after the military previously argued that permitting candidates to join who take regular medications would be a ‘logistical burden’.
Announcing the decision today, MP Leo Docherty said it was ‘only right that we recognise and act on the latest scientific evidence’.
He added: ‘Drug treatment has revolutionised the lives and outcomes of people diagnosed with HIV.'
‘I’m delighted that an exciting and fulfilling career in the armed forces is now open to many more people.’
Ian Green, chief executive at the Terrence Higgins Trust, named the changes the ‘right decision’, calling for them to be ‘urgently implemented’.
The sexual health charity boss said: ‘This is a momentous day which shows how far we have come in the fight against HIV.
It is absolutely the right decision and there is no reason why people living with HIV shouldn’t serve in our armed forces.'
‘These changes must now be urgently implemented.’ We couldn’t agree more!
#EndTheStigma #WorldAIDSDay
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