WESTERN PROVINCE

RUBAVU — Rwandans should not view circumcision as a preservative for Muslims alone, a district official has advised.

Martin Habimana, the district officer in charge of good governance said youth should be circumcised for purposes of hygiene and HIV/Aids prevention. Habimana was addressing youth in Gisenyi recently.

"Recent researchers have indicated that circumcised people have 60 per cent chances of not contracting HIV/ AIDS. That is why it is vital for every civilized resident to get circumcised,” he said.

He however warned youth against reckless sexual behavior after circumcision, saying Aids remains a dangerous disease.

Habimana urged the youth to avoid indulging in acts that increase their vulnerability to the disease that he described as the greatest enemy of economic development.

He advised that youth should abstain from sex as the best option or use condoms for those who can not abstain. The official urged married couples to remain faithful to each other for the good of their respective families, children and the country.

Habimana pointed out that the number of people seeking circumcision at various health centers in Rubavu had greatly increased. He said this sign indicates that people have started understanding its importance.

Jean-Claude Mutabazi a nurse at Gisenyi Hospital, urged people to avoid being misled that circumcision to adults was dangerous.

"This is a wrong perception. It is very safe as long as it’s done with trained people and from a recognised health centre,” he said.

Residents who talked to The New Times revealed that although some adults still have a wrong perception that circumcision is unsafe and painful for adults, most people in Gisenyi understood its significance and many were taking on the practice.

"I do understand that male circumcision is very important for hygiene, and call upon residents to try it out. I’m not a Muslim but I have done it due to hygienic reason and have taken my children to health centres for circumcision,” a resident identified as Fred Bigirimana said.

He called upon the district authority to promote the activity by lowering costs in government heath centers and hospitals to help even low income earners carry out circumcision.

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