Editorial: Circumcision offers hope, embrace it

Expert reports have in the recent past highlighted the importance of circumcision in reducing the spread of HIV and Aids. In Africa apart the Muslims and some tribes like Bagisu, Sebei, Masai; male circumcision has not been emphasized. However with new evidence that circumcision can radically reduce chances of contracting HIV, it is clear that it should be encouraged even among communities that have shunned it in the past. In today’s magazine main story we explore the topic of circumcision. Historically circumcision was a practice that was carried out for religious purposes both by Muslims and the Jewish communities. Others who do it for cultural purposes claim that it is a symbol of transition from child to adulthood. It is also widely practised in North America and some scientists have attributed the low levels of HIV and Aids in North America to this practice as compared to other places where the practice is not wide spread. People are circumcised at different stages in life. Some are circumcised when they are still young, while others are circumcised at a later stage in life. It involves a surgical procedure carried out in a traditional ceremony or by a medical professional in a hospital. Circumcision has a number of advantages, apart from helping to stem the spread of HIV; it is also a foundation of good hygiene. And therefore the recent report that the ministry of health plans to carry out nationwide circumcision is a good starting point. More so, it would be important for people to take their own initiative and get circumcised. Parents have an obligation of encouraging their children to get circumcised at an early age because the healing process is quicker then. Importantly, circumcision should not be mistaken for a cure or vaccine for HIV and Aids. It is well known that Aids has no vaccine and cure. So people getting circumcised should not use it as a license to engage in reckless, risky sexual behaviour. From a religious to a cultural practice and now as a medical intervention, it is apparent that circumcision plays a central role in many people’s lives. Enjoy. Ends