Male circumcision ... what went wrong?

The country introduced the national circumcision policy in a bid to curtail the spread of HIV/AIDS. The circumcision programme was rolled out in 2009. From the initiative, a total of 1.2 million males had to be circumcised by 2015. The male circumcision strategy was also aimed at targeting at an estimated 85 percent of the target population. From the initiative, it was expected that about 750 000 HIV cases could be prevented. Well, back then, the idea was noble. Quite frankly, the initiative would have gone a long way in the fight against HIV/AIDS and in ensuring that MDG number six is met with pride come 2015.

The national circumcision policy was supported by recommendations by WHO and UNAIDS that circumcision could reduce female-to-male HIV transmission by up to 60 percent. These recommendations were based on clinical trials carried out in Kenya, South Africa and Uganda.

Sadly, five years down the line, the same song cannot be sung. There hasn’t been much vibe, energy and enthusiasm as far as male circumcision is concerned. Less than 10 percent of the targeted populationhas gone under the knife. By end of December last year, about 90 000 males hadbeen circumcised since the introduction of the national circumcision policy in 2009.  Not any amount of hard work can redeem the figure in driving it to the anticipated 1.2 million. In the vein of optimism, a total of 217 800 people have been targeted this year.

Even if there has to be some credit that has to be given to the few brave, male circumcision has been resisted by so many. What has gone wrong? What derailed initiative?

However, a majority of men in are skeptic of things that do not work. Male circumcision does not prevent HIV/AIDS or any STI. Going under the knife does not make one to suddenly become immune to the deadly virus. That could be possibly the reason why a lot of men are not holding the bull by its horns and allowing their foreskins to be removed.

Two surveys carried out by USAID, shortly before the national circumcision campaign began in the country. The surveys showed that more circumcised men contracted HIV than non-circumcised men. The same has been said to be true in nine out of 18 other countries. How can circumcision helping men? Coming up with one reason for carrying out male circumcision is just not enough?

To wrap it up, male circumcision could be a formidable step in fighting against HIV.

Let’s keep the promise!