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On the 31st of March 1988, the Department of Defence published our first policy on HIV. This document was only a few pages and focused on the possibility of HIV transmission through blood transfusion. It was only in 1991 that the SANDF identified the first HIV positive member. As more and more became known of the disease the policy was updated and revised to address the latest scientific advances in the field. As the rate of infection continued to rise, the response of the Department of Defence increased. On 30 April 2001, the Department of Defence approved the Departmental policy: "The Management of Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in the DOD". This instruction addresses measures for the containment of the epidemic and the care and support of members and their dependants infected and affected by HIV. In addition the policy provides specific guidelines to ensure a non-discriminatory work environment. The Surgeon General is responsible for the management of the DOD HIV programme and is supported in this by an HIV Management Structure. This structure allows for coordinated and focused HIV management according to the direction of the Surgeon General and the HIV Programme Manager. All the members involved in the programme are committed to, and passionate about HIV prevention and management, and perform their duties in this regard above and beyond their normal assigned tasks. |