The male circumcision camps are continuing this week in a bid to ensure that school going males are given the opportunity to be circumcised before the schools re-open in the next week.
The department of health, together with other government departments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) (such as Maternal Adolescent and Child Health), had started a drive to provide an opportunity to school going males (between 15 and 20 years) to be circumcised ahead of the school re-opening period.
This was done through male circumcision camps being organised in all districts of the province since the start of the winter season.
To date, more than 1 000 young males have been circumcised between 1 and 4 July, demonstrating the high uptake rate and confidence in the roll out of the male circumcision campaign by the provincial government.
The campaign saw the Premier of the province, Dr Zweli Mkhize and the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, joining the MEC for Health in taking up coats and scalpels and circumcising young males in Newcastle and uMzimkhulu, respectively.
Speaking following a visit to two camps sites in Madadeni hospital and Ezakheni Further Education and Training (FET) College respectively, Dr Mkhize said:
"As government, we are encouraged by the enthusiasm that has been shown by local traditional leaders, religious leaders, parents and health professionals.
"It is upon the contemporary generation of South Africans to act and act decisively to turn things around. This means the challenge is for you and me to stand up and be counted."
This week will also see a continuation with the male circumcision camps in the following areas:
Ilembe: 6 to 7 July 2010
Venue: Vukile High School, Maphumulo
eThekwini: 8 to 10 July 2010
Venue: Umbumbulu FET College
uMkhanyakude: 6 to 8 July 2010
Venue: kwaNibela tribal court
uMzinyathi: 9 to 10 July 2010
Venue: Charles James memorial hospital
The minister shared his vision for the future when he visited Gamalakhe and uMzimkhulu camps, where he said: "I look forward to a day when we will stand together in front of the world and say: WE HAVE OVERCOME!"
The department wishes to also advise parents, guardians and the community that this campaign is rolled out in respect of all traditions and customs.
However, the Human Tissue Act 65 of 1983, section 34 (a) states:
"Any person who, except in so far as it may be permitted by or under any law, acquires, uses or supplies a body of a deceased person or any tissue, blood or gametes of a living or deceased person in any manner or for any other purpose than that permitted by this act; shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding R2 000 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year or to both that fine and that imprisonment."
In this regard, we advise those parents, who by custom or tradition, require retain the fore-skin to make prior arrangements with the department.
Contact:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 285 0567
E-mail: chris.maxon@kznhealth.gov.za
