UK armed forces end HIV being a barrier to overseas deployment

Welcoming the policy, Lt Cdr Oliver Brown, who serves the navy, said: The message is loud and clear – people living with HIV are not limited in any way.’ Photograph: Alex Lake/The Observer

UK armed forces personnel with HIV are to be declared fully fit and be able to deploy overseas, defence officials have said, in a move that removes the final barrier to service for personnel with the virus.

From Tuesday, serving personnel who are taking suppressive treatment for HIV, and whose blood tests show no detectable virus, will now be recognised as fully fit for all service. The policy change also applies to anyone wishing to join the military.