(Ian Nicholson/PA)
(Picture: PA Archive)The British Army has announced it will allow soldiers living with HIV to remove the stigma and treat it the same as any other medical condition.
From Tuesday, serving personnel who are taking suppressive treatment for HIV, and whose blood tests show no detectable virus, will now be recognised as fully fit for all service.
Historically, the military has not permitted candidates to join who take regular medications, citing the “logistical burden”.
The MoD has said the new policy will ensure that people living with HIV will be provided personal medical supplies to last throughout their deployment.
If this should get lost or damaged, it can be replaced using the same process that already exists for other personnel needing regular medication.
Lieutenant Commander Oli Brown said: “From today I can be considered fully fit by the Royal Navy for the first time since I told them about my HIV diagnosis.
“Being labelled as limited deployable made me question myself and doubt my capability – it took a toll on my mental health. The biggest thing about this change is knowing that no-one else will feel how I did.
“The message is loud and clear – people living with HIV are not limited in any way. I take one tablet a day which makes my HIV undetectable and that I can’t pass it on.
“There is no reason why I, or anyone else, should be restricted in the Armed Forces and today’s change reflects that reality.”
