Tri-Service
Military STD Rates 'No Higher Than General Population'
A number of newspapers have reported this week on the number of Armed Forces personnel to have contracted STDs.
They stated that 9,291 troops have caught an STD since 2012, including about 100 who got HIV. But the MoD has now released a response, saying:
"The number of military personnel with a sexually transmitted disease is comparable with the general population. Sexual health awareness is promoted to personnel through a variety of channels."
One of the factors behind the numbers is the higher risk of young people getting an STD - with the Armed Forces composed of a much larger number of young people than in the general population.
However, STDs are a serious matter and being infected with one can limit the jobs a service person can do, or, in the case of HIV, end their career in the military entirely. The MoD has said:
"All defence personnel are encouraged to take responsibility for their own health and make informed healthy lifestyle choices through education, leadership and service provision."
Sexual health awareness is raised by the MoD at annual health fairs for all units, pre-deployment briefings, participation in national campaigns, and other means.
If you'd like more information, the Military Advice Service for Sexual Health & HIV can be contacted via telephone on 0121 424 0980 (sexual health nurse specialist) or 07975 953539 (24-hour helpline), or via email on [email protected] (checked daily).
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