Southern Africa Territorial Leaders Commissioners André and Silvia Cox attended The Salvation Army Wellness VCT (voluntary counseling and testing) and ART (antiretroviral treatment) Support Clinic in Soweto, South Africa, on May 21, 2010, to undergo HIV testing.
In his letter to all Salvationists and Army employees he wrote: “As responsible members of society it is our duty to help in any way in the fight against HIV. We want to pledge the full support of The Salvation Army to this worthy campaign.”
The Commissioner’s challenge was in response to the South African government’s recently launched HIV testing program and President Jacob Zuma’s communication: “It is important that each citizen knows their HIV status in order to make informed choices about their health and lives.”