… but mandatory testing will stay

But while the B.D.F. is finding a way to deal with the invasion of HIV into its ranks, it is at the same time trying to deal with its controversial practice of mandatory HIV testing. In December a National Policy on HIV was proposed, which prohibits mandatory testing of employees. But according to Force Medical Officer, Lt. Col. Irvin Gabourel, while the B.D.F. recognises what the National AIDS Commission is trying to do, it also has a duty to protect the nation.

Lt. Col Irvin Gabourel
?The primary goal of the B.D.F. is to defend the country of Belize, its borders and we also provide support to the police force and we want to be doing this in the most healthiest situation possible. When you have somebody with HIV, their immune system is not integral. They could go from being HIV positive to full-blown AIDS at any given time. So if you submit this individual to very rigorous training, again their immune system will deteriorate and they will become full-blown AIDS. So yes, we have to strike a balance there. Don?t ask me where that is, but we are working at it.?

The B.D.F. continues to require prospective soldiers to undergo mandatory HIV testing and anyone who tests positive will not be inducted. Those already in the B.D.F. who test positive are given medical treatment and family support.