HIV+ people attack MDF – Malawi Voice

The Malawi Network of People Living with HIV (Manet Plus) says the Malawi Defense Force’s (MDF) policy of excluding people with HIV during recruitment was wrong.

Manet Plus Executive Director Lawrence Khonyongwa revealed that a number of HIV positive people have written to the organization after being barred from military recruitment due to their health conditions.

“People with HIV deserve equal opportunities and there is no justification for the MDF to withdraw them,” he said.

When contacted, MDF spokesperson Emmanuel Mlelemba said Manet Plus could have involved them in the matter first before going to the media. Medical aptitude is mandatory in MDF recruitment policy.

And in 2018, the MDF made it official that recruits must undergo mandatory HIV testing to ensure national security.