S.African army gets new HIV/AIDS clinic.
South African Deputy Minister of Defense Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge on Tuesday opened a special clinic at One Military Hospital in Pretoria, executive capital of the country, which designed specifically to treat defense force members and their families who were affected by HIV/AIDS.
Madlala-Routledge was quoted by the South African Press Association as saying "the official opening of Phidisa Clinic today marks a turning point in the lives of many members of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) and their families."
"This is a beginning of a great journey, a journey that will be accompanied by lots of challenges." He said apart from treating those who were infected with the
virus, the staff would also conduct clinical research into the most appropriate medical interventions. However, he warned the unit's success depended on the co-operation of army personnel.
"This clinic can achieve its set objectives only if those members and their families voluntarily enroll and participate fully in the project.
"I therefore would like to encourage every member of the SANDF to test and know their status so as to get help and support. For those members who test HIV negative, I encourage them to stay negative and to give support to their fellow combats men and women, " said Madlala-Routledge.
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20 Janvier 2004 à 15:31 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
