FHI - Military-Uniformed Services

Between 1999 and 2006, FHI embarked on uniformed services programming in 12 countries. This is because HIV prevalence among the uniformed services are significantly higher than among other groups. Those who serve in uniform tend to have more frequent contact with sex workers. They are often posted or required to travel for extended periods away from home or must await housing before sending for their families. Confronting risk daily may inspire other risky behaviors, and the sense of invincibility the services promotes sometimes carries over into personal behavior.

The armed forces, police, and other uniformed services infected with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections may serve as a bridge group between sex workers and the general population.

The hierarchical structures of the uniformed services permit sustainable integration of HIV/AIDS/STI/tuberculosis prevention and care into their existing systems. Until 2003, FHI coordinated a uniformed services task force that worked toward that goal.

Selected Publications

Snapshots from the Field On the Front: HIV/AIDS and the Uniformed Services (2005)

On the Front: HIV/AIDS and the Uniformed Services (video, 2004)

Strong Fighting: Sexual Behavior and HIV/AIDS in the Cambodian Uniformed Services (2003)

Military/Uniformed Services