FUMBLE in the JUNGLE

BRITISH troops sent on training exercises in Africa are being issued with free condoms amid mounting fears of an Aids epidemic in the Army.

The latest measure comes after senior officers realised that "no sex" orders on trips to Kenya and South Africa were being ignored by hundreds of soldiers. Now, along with free contraceptives, top brass are urging all troops who have visited brothels or had sex with local women to be immediately tested for HIV on their return to Britain.

Sexually-active soldiers are being strongly advised to be tested for Hepatitis B, which is also transmitted during unprotected intercourse and is potentially fatal.

Last night a senior military source said: "In Kenya and parts of South Africa virtually all the prostitutes are infected with HIV.

"Telling soldiers not to visit brothels simply isn't working, and locally-made condoms are so poorly produced they do not offer any real protection.

"The best thing for officers to do is distribute free condoms and make sure anyone who visits a prostitute is tested for HIV and Hep B.

"The prospect of an HIV epidemic in the Army is a very real one and it is important that the rules when visiting countries with a high incidence of Aids are drummed into everyone.

"After a trip to Africa doctors and other medical staff are always on hand to carry out tests and offer HIV and Hep B counselling to any soldier affected."

Each year up to 3,000 British troops go to Kenya and South Africa for vital training in hot climates. The towns and villages around training camps are teeming with brothels and local women who target troops during their off-duty time.

A soldier infected with either virus would be put on light duties until they became so medically unfit that they would have to be discharged by the Army.

So far 12 members of the Armed services have been confirmed as being HIV positive and Army bosses have considered compulsory testing - particularly for Commonwealth soldiers recruited from Africa - but each time the idea has been rejected as unworkable.

Soldiers have to be prepared to treat battlefield wounds immediately and would risk infection by contaminated blood in those circumstances.

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