Grassrootssoccer embarks on a door-to-door male circumcision campaign

by Stasff reporter

2012 May 05 03:01:31 | 1470 Views

A Bulawayo-based non-profit making organisation, Grassrootssoccer, in conjunction with Population Services International (PSI) has embarked on a door-to-door male circumcision campaign, as part of efforts to fight the HIV and Aids scourge.

In an interview yesterday Grassrootssoccer programmes manager Miss Tanya Sibanda said the initiative was aimed at reaching more males to get circumcised.

"Getting circumcised is a huge decision and it is often difficult for people to just get up and go and get circumcised, so as Grassrootssoccer we want to make the facility to be as accessible to members of the public as possible.

"So we are providing education and counselling on the circumcision topic and mobilising people to go and get circumcised," said Miss Sibanda.

She said they were also providing free HIV voluntary counselling and testing services on site.

"Our main aim is to make the circumcision facility more accessible and this is why we are also providing transport to and from the Bulawayo Eye Clinic free of charge.

"After teaching about circumcision those who are interested register with us and sign a consent form, which they are required to produce at the Eye Clinic," said Miss Sibanda.

She said they provide transport for the review, which was a day after the circumcision.

"We are working with people that are role models for many youths and these include former Highlanders coach Mkhuphali Masuku, prominent names in soccer circles such as Gift Lunga Junior so that the message we are disseminating have more impact and relevance since these people command respect in communities.

"The motive behind this initiative is to make people appreciate the value of circumcision for both male and females.

"For men it helps reduce chances of HIV infection by 60 percent and limits the risk of cervical cancer for women," said Miss Sibanda.

She said they have so far taken their door-to-door campaign to Pelandaba, Magwegwe, Makokoba and Nkulumane.

The initiative was started off in April and targets males from 13 years of age and upwards.

"We hope to cast our net wider and we will be happier to reach out to more people," said Miss Sibanda.

She said the response from males has been satisfactory, although she urged males to be more forthcoming.

"We want them to welcome us and cooperate at maximum levels as the programme is ongoing and extending to other areas," said Miss Sibanda.

circumcision campaign

Source: TC