Security sector not spared by AIDS

HIV/AIDS has not spared Zambia's defence and security sector, according to Peter Mumba, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs. Figures presented to the national security and foreign affairs committee by Mumba this week, showed that a total of 337 police officers had died from AIDS-related illnesses during 2004. The local Post newspaper quoted Mumba as saying: "HIV and AIDS is also a drain, both economically and in terms of human resources. Apart from deaths, the police force has had to deal with officers affected by the pandemic, most of whom cannot perform certain duties as required." He reported that the impact of the pandemic was causing the force to operate below full strength.