Circumcision – Media Watch
Medical circumcision can save young lives
The past decade has been marked by a series of interventions in the form of conferences, workshops, research reports and legislation all aimed at dealing with the challenges that confront the initiation practice in South Africa.
The Traditional Circumcision Act 5 of 2001 (Application of Health Standard) passed in the Eastern Cape, along with the initiation framework and protocol implemented in the Western Cape are notable examples in this regard.
Should my man be circumcised?
It is over 200 years since King Shaka Zulu banned the circumcision of young Zulu men, which had been the practice until then. This, history teaches us, was because the three-month ukusoka procedure - during which the youths went off to entabeni (the mountain) to learn how to live as adult men, and to be circumcised -robbed him of his fittest and finest warriors until they returned to their homes again.
In 2009, however, King Goodwill Zwelithini announced that male circumcision was to be reintroduced among the Zulu community. His statement was met with some surprise, but it was revealed that his ruling was in response to studies that had shown that circumcised men are far less likely to become infected with HIV/Aids than is the case with uncircumcised men.
This kind of cut is a good idea!
As summer sets in, circumcision clinics around Gauteng will prepare to offer clients a safe and quick summer circumcision service.
Circumcision had been shown to help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Haemophilia linked to deaths at circumcision
The hereditary bleeding disorder haemophilia could be a reason for the deaths in some circumcision rituals, blood disease awareness foundation Igazi said yesterday.
"Mild or moderate cases of haemophilia often only come to light after an injury,, dental work, or surgery," nurse Henry Steenkamp said.
Rotten health deal bust
The provincial department of health is conducting a probe into its supply chain management mechanism following the suspension of a R180m circumcision contract alleged to have been fraudulently awarded to the Mkhago Health Care Services to circumcise about 260 000 males across the province.
The circumcision programme was part of the Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision programme (VMMC) in a bid to reduce the HIV and Aids infection.
