HIV Infection Among African Soldiers Is ‘Exceptionally High’
Half of the soldiers in some African armies are infected with the AIDS virus, according to Malawian Defense Minister Justin Malewezi. “Prevalence rates in many armies of the developing world, especially in Africa, are exceptionally high,” he told an AIDS conference for military officers from 13 southern and east African countries.
The World Health Organization director for Africa, Ebrahim Samba, said soldiers are a high-risk group because they are young, mainly between the ages of 15 and 24, sexually active and away from home for long stretches at a time.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
