Yesterday, hundreds of men, some as young as 15 years, lined Benedictine hospital (in Nongoma) corridors to be the part of a group of men to be circumcised following His Majesty's launch of the medical male circumcision campaign in KwaZulu-Natal.
His Majesty the King, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, requested the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health to launch the campaign he spoke about during the Umkhosi Wokweshwama ceremony held in December last year. He asked the department to roll out the campaign by starting in his own area of Nongoma, in the reserve of kwaMajomela, where hundreds of men, young and old, had been recruited into undergoing the procedure.
These men were first screened for all ailments such as diabetes, HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), etc. before they could undergo the procedure. They were also counselled by health professionals in the various clinics in Nongoma.
Yesterday, 273 initiates underwent the procedure in four different sites including Benedictine hospital, Love Life Centre, eMahhashini and Nongoma clinics. A group of 33 doctors from around the province, others from Malaysia, Zimbabwe and Zambia assisted in performing the procedure.
"There is great excitement among the medical officers here as well as among the initiates. The department did not expect such a resounding spirit of volunteerism among the doctors. We are indeed grateful. From those who are from the province, others travelled from Umgungundlovu, Empangeni, Creighton, others from far afield as Malaysia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
"We are also grateful that Isilo (the king) supports the medical approach which will ensure that we minimise complications. During counselling, we emphasised that circumcision does not mean immunity to infection, particularly HIV infection. As His Majesty also said: 'men still need to observe other preventative methods such as using condoms and sticking to one partner'," said the MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo.
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
12 April 2010
Source: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/)
