At least 1000 men were circumcised under the on-going clinical male circumcision facilitated by the National Aids Council (NAC) and the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare in Chiredzi district recently.
The programme is aiming at circumcising a total number of 3000 people in Masvingo.
According to NAC Masvingo provincial boss Evios Makoni, the on- going exercise is going to spread to other districts in Masvingo soon.
“This is the starting point in Masvingo province and we are targeting men between 16-29 years of age to be circumcised,” said Makoni.
Circumcision is a traditional and compulsory practice to Shangani boys. However, this year’s programme is not compulsory and any man regardless of tribal background is free to participate.
Traditionally, the practice was carried without anesthetics and other surgical tools until NAC came to the rescue.
“Our main objective is to meet their traditional practice in the prevention of HIV and we are saying lets do it hygienically and in a more humane manner,” Makoni said.
Currently there are 26 medical personnel in Chiredzi who are conducting the operations in three areas, Chidonga, Chambuta and Chimbwedziva camps.
Circumcision at a medical institution costs around $75, but the on going exercise in Chiredzi is done free of charge.
NAC is going to host a graduation ceremony on Tuesday this week..
