NDF denies HIV tests for soldiers

THE Namibian Defence Force has denied claims that it has been testing its soldiers deployed on a peacekeeping mission to Liberia for HIV.

Defence Minister Erkki Nghimtina told the National Assembly on Thursday that, in keeping with a United Nations requirement, Namibian troops were made to undergo a medical examination before their departure and again on their return to Namibia. But he said HIV testing was not included in the examination as alleged by DTA MP Philemon Moongo.”We are concerned about the health status of our members and we are trying to prevent the spread of infections.If one of the members was infected by various diseases while on the mission, it would be detected at this stage and the member would be assisted,” he said.But he said HIV testing was not included in the examination as alleged by DTA MP Philemon Moongo.”We are concerned about the health status of our members and we are trying to prevent the spread of infections.If one of the members was infected by various diseases while on the mission, it would be detected at this stage and the member would be assisted,” he said.