Bushenyi to promote male circumcision

Feb 09, 2009

BUSHENYI district has recommended mass male circumcision in an attempt to reduce the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate.

BUSHENYI district has recommended mass male circumcision in an attempt to reduce the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate, reports Chris Ahimbisibwe.

The acting district health officer, Dr. Celestine Barigye, said the disease’s prevalence rate is low in countries where male circumcision is promoted.

“I know that some people are against the practice, but it is up to us to address the HIV spread,” he appealed.

The health ministry recently started a mass male circumcision campaign as a means to control the spread of the disease.

Barigye was presenting a health status report during the district budget conference at the multi-purpose hall on Thursday.
“When we take the exercise seriously, HIV will reduce,” he said.
Barigye said the disease was increasing mainly among married couples.

According to the Integrated Community Based Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, the prevalence rate stands at 5.4% among adults and is highest among women.

Earlier, while presenting a report on management and support services, the assistant chief administrative officer, Matthias Ndifuna, said the district had lost man-power due to the disease.

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