This weekend; His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu will officially launch the male circumcision campaign whose revival he announced last year during the umkhosi wokweshwama (first fruit) ceremony on 10 and 11 April 2010.
The king believes that with his subjects being the face of HIV in the country; it is necessary to revive and include the male circumcision custom as part of the comprehensive prevention strategy against HIV infection. Historically, male circumcision has been practised for various reasons, including hygiene, religion, tradition and culture.
In late 2006, two randomised controlled trials on whether male circumcision reduces HIV transmission were halted because interim results showed an overwhelming protective effect, validating the results from an earlier South African trial conducted in Orange Farm. Based on the weight of the evidence from both observational studies and randomised trials, public health leaders have concluded that male circumcision when performed by well trained and well equipped health professionals can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection among adult men and thus the number of new infections per year.
The launch event will target close to 300 young men between the ages of 15 and 49 years of age. They will be screened ahead of the procedure and on the day the king will address them on a number of behavioural issues such as what does it mean to be a man, how to relate and treat women, how to protect yourself from infectious diseases, etc.
Among the keynote guests will be the king, the MEC for Health Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, amakhosi, izinduna and other social role players. Journalists and reporters are advised and invited to the official launch which will take place as follows:
Date: 10 to 11 April 2010
Time: 10h00
Venue: Nongoma Love Life Centre
For interviews kindly contact:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 285 0567
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
8 April 2010
