HIV tests for BDF recruits important - NAC

NAC was responding to Botswana Network on Ethics, Law, HIV/AIDS (BONELA) argument that recruits in the armed services should not be forced to undertake HIV tests as this is an invasion of their privacy.At a meeting in Gaborone yesterday, NAC maintained that it is important for employers to know the HIV status of their employees.

Chairperson of the council, former president of Botswana, Festus Mogae said that BONELA's argument was not valid as recruits can be tested confidentially and later choose to enrol for treatment.A BDF employee who attended the meeting, said that considering training, need for readiness as and when needed, work expectations and general conditions of the job it is very important that recruits test for HIV, which he says would help the employer to cater for the employees.