*Fatshimetrie*
From the Fatshimetrie office, today we want to shine a spotlight on an often overlooked public health issue: HIV prevalence among military and police officers. As the world commemorates World AIDS Day in 2024, we were touched by the death of a young soldier due to HIV-related complications in Kenya.
The numbers speak for themselves: in 2023, 39.9 million people were living with HIV, and 630,000 deaths were recorded worldwide due to the disease. Among these numbers, it is alarming to note that many soldiers and police officers have lost their lives to HIV, while others are living with the disease and are on antiretroviral treatment.
It is time to acknowledge that HIV prevalence among military and law enforcement officers is underestimated. Four out of ten military personnel are exposed to HIV/AIDS without knowing it, highlighting the urgent need to act to prevent the spread of the disease among these populations.
Factors that expose these men and women in uniform to HIV include alcohol and substance abuse, the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections, economic insecurity, constant mobility, and a particular perception of their own mortality.
It is crucial to take an example from figures like Philly Bongole Lutaaya, a Ugandan musician who courageously revealed his HIV status in 1988. His fight and commitment have broken taboos and opened discussions on HIV. His song “Alone” has become a true anthem in the fight against AIDS.
It is high time to give soldiers and uniforms the same dose of courage and wisdom needed to confront this disease. Statistics show that military institutions are often disproportionately affected by HIV, and can contribute to its spread among the population.
Soldiers are on the front lines of physical danger, and this exposes them to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and failure to test for HIV. Changing mindsets and adopting a more responsible lifestyle is essential to prevent the spread of the disease.
To achieve the targets of the Global AIDS Strategy 2024, it is imperative to closely monitor HIV prevalence, retention in care, treatment and viral suppression among the armed forces. Access to HIV services and removal of social and legal barriers to these services are essential to stem the epidemic.
There is a need to include military bases and police barracks in HIV control and management initiatives. Access to regular testing points, preventive medications and appropriate health services are essential to prevent the spread of HIV among these vulnerable populations.
In conclusion, it is imperative to put in place concrete measures to combat the prevalence of HIV among military and law enforcement personnel. This requires increased awareness, easier access to care and treatment, and a change in mentalities to adopt more responsible behaviors. The soldiers who protect our lives deserve to be protected in return by helping them fight HIV.