200, 000 targeted for Oct-Dec MC

Government has targeted to have 200, 000 HIV negative men and children circumcised countrywide during the October-December 2016 campaign of the male circumcision exercise.

Health Minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya notes that the end year target of 419, 097 is achievable with concerted efforts from all stakeholders.

In a speech read on his behalf by Acting Lusaka Province Medical Officer, Dr. Wajilovia Chilambo during the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision catch-up campaign in Lusaka today, Dr. Chilufya says government places great emphasis on the prevention strategies that will contribute to the reduction in HIV cases.

Dr. Chilufya further notes that other benefits of male circumcision are the reduction of urinary tract infection in infants, reduction of cancer in men and women, and protection against sexually transmitted diseases.

He says launch of the October-December 2016 voluntary medical male circumcision campaign demonstrates government’s continued commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.

And Speaking earlier, VMMC National Coordinator, Dr. James Zulu says if Zambia is to effectively reduce HIV infections, there is need for everyone to actively contribute to the cause by ensuring that the country achieved universal coverage of male circumcision.

He has observed that Zambia still has a high HIV/AIDS prevalence rate though the rate had in recent times significantly dropped.

He pointed out that campaigns such as the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision ((VMMC) would help reduce the prevalence rate further.

Over 153, 000 Zambian males have so far been circumcised translating into 36 percent of the target.