NAC donates to ZDF

development aimed at making HIV services accessible to vulnerable groups.
The army received the donation which includes six CD4 Count machines and six haematology analysers, at the just ended HIV and AIDS training workshop held in Mudzi for the uniformed forces.
Addressing more than 60 security personnel drawn from the Zimbabwe National Army, Air Force of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Prison Services, Colonel Jerifanos Mupanda said the CD4 Count analysers would be distributed to bases in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare, Gweru and Masvingo.
The haematology analysers will also be distributed to units in Chegutu, Kwekwe, Mutare, Masvingo and Harare.
“We are very grateful for this donation from NAC and we promise to utilise the equipment to the best of our ability.
“The equipment will be at the disposal of all the uniformed forces,” Lt Col Mupanda said.
He commended NAC for their support expressing hope that their co-operation will continue to grow.
The uniformed forces gets an allocation from the national trust fund because it is highly vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) mainly due to their work environment, mobility and age among other factors.
According to UNAIDS, studies among male population groups have revealed that those in the military and police generally report higher levels of HIV and AIDS infection than the national average in many countries.
In peacetime, STI rates among armed forces are generally two to five times higher than in civilian populations; in times of conflict the difference can be much higher.