AU : HIV/AIDS death toll among AMIS personnel statistically insignificant

African Union Mission in Sudan(AMIS)

Khartoum, Sept 6, 2005.

PRESS RELEASE

HIV/AIDS death toll among personnel statistically insignificant

The attention of the African Union Mission in the Sudan, AMIS, has been
drawn to the news item in the Sudanese print and electronic media of today, 6th September, 2005 regarding the deaths of two AU officers after suffering from HIV/AIDS.

The AMIS confirms that the two officers referred to did indeed sadly die of complications arising from HIV/AIDS infection. However, it should be pointed out that given that AMIS has now operated in Darfur for over 14 months and that today, its total personnel strength is 5,471, two deaths is, therefore, statistically insignificant, as regrettable as it is any loss life.

In the light of this background, AMIS wishes to reiterate its confidence in
the efforts of the Troops Contributing Countries to medically screen their soldiers
and civilian police in accordance with guidelines given by the AU. Indeed, on arrival in Addis Ababa, the medical reports of especially the Military Observers are further reviewed, and in certain doubtful cases, these officers are not allowed to proceed to Darfur.

The AMIS recognizes that stringent as its standards are, no system of medical screening can be 100% accurate. However, AMIS is constantly upgrading its control mechanism and would welcome any opportunity to closely co-operate with the Sudanese’s authorities to ensure that applicable international standards are met.

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