Circumcision is said to reduce the transmission of the deadly HIV virus by at least 60 percent The programme, dubbed Pinda Musmart (Get Smart), has so far reached the high density suburbs of Chitungwiza and Mabvuku, while some mobile testing facilities have been provided to the smaller towns such as Marondera.
In an interview, PSI Interpersonal Communications Manager Patience Kunaka said the campaign was intended at ensuring that young people, especially those at school get tested for HIV, and subsequently go for circumcision. The procedure has become very popular among men in Zimbabwe, with the centre in Harare being overwhelmed by those wanting to be be circumcised.
The response from men is really pleasing, said Kunaka, but she could not give the number of men who had gone under the knife with the aim of reducing their chances of contracting HIV.
In order for one to be circumcised one has to first get tested because the programme is targeted at people who are negative and that is why we have been having the mobile testing units, said Kunaka. Abstinence and being faithful to one faithful partner are still the most effective way of preventing the transmission of HIV.
Post published in: News