Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
MORE than 2 400 Tshangani men and boys in Chiredzi graduated after undergoing male circumcision as part of measures to curb the spread of HIV/ Aids.

The surgeries supervised and conducted by doctors seconded by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, also saw Chiredzi South MP Retired Brigadier Cde Callistos Gwanetsa also being circumcised.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony at Muhlanguleni Business Centre in Chiredzi South last Saturday, Population Service International (PSI) deputy director Dr Ngonidzashe Madidi hailed traditional leaders in Chiredzi for embracing medical surgical operations.

Those who graduated were circumcised between July and August this year.

“We have partnered the Tshangani people in Chiredzi, Lemba in Mberengwa, Xhosa in Ntabazinduna and Moslems throughout the country in conducting male circumcision. We are happy that our relationship with chiefs has seen us managing to circumcise 2 411 males in one and half months in Chiredzi district alone.  This is between July and August.

“Here at Mahlanguleni Business Centre, there are 1 200 initiates while others are holding their ceremonies in other parts of the district,” said Dr Madidi.

He said PSI helped to train Tshangani doctors and nurses to perform surgical operations so that cultural norms are not compromised.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care National Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision coordinator Mr Sinokuthemba Xaba said the country has circumcised more than 960 000 men and boys since 2009.

“We have circumcised 960 000 males so far since 2009 and our target is 1,3 million male by the end of 2018,” she said.

@walterbmswazie3

You Might Also Like

Comments