§ Hugh BayleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what HIV/AIDS programme is in place for British armed forces who spend time in sub-Saharan African countries. [164419]
§ Mr. IngramGuidance on HIV/AIDS for members of the Armed Forces is based on guidelines issued by the UK Chief Medical Officer's Expert Advisory Group on AIDS. The prevention and management of HIV infection is part of a general strategy for the promotion of good sexual health and for the protection of personnel against blood borne viruses.
Before deployment to sub-Saharan Africa Service personnel receive a health brief and are warned that the HIV/AIDS virus is a major medical threat. The educational message for operational deployments makes it clear that sexual abstinence is the only safe form of action with risk reduction only as a last resort.
Service personnel are instructed in the use of condoms as a means of protection against STDs, including HIV/AIDS, as well as a form of contraception. On occasions where condoms are not readily available, they may be distributed to Service personnel.
Service personnel who think they have been at risk are encouraged to consult their medical officer for discussion about the virus and possible referral for testing. Alternatively, Service personnel can also go directly to an NHS STI clinic for testing and/or counselling.