In the past year circumcision has been widely promoted as one of the key preventative measures in the battle against HIV. President Jacob Zuma and Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi are amongst the South African leaders who have spoken in support of the procedure. This week Siyayinqoba Beat It! revisits the issue to find out more. Modern medical science can often clash with traditions so our CJs first explore ways in which circumcision can inform and integrate with traditionally held beliefs and practices. We then visit a clinic in Gauteng to learn more about the procedure and speak to a young man who chose to get circumcised in order protect himself and his wife.
In the Jewish and Muslim faiths it is traditional for young babies to be circumcised soon after birth. Our CJs spoke to a Rabbi and an Imam to learn how these two faiths integrate this tradition with modern concerns about health. From a medical point of view scientists are in agreement that there is much less risk when the procedure is done on babies and both faiths also concur that health and hygiene are of the utmost importance and that the procedure should be done by a qualified person. Andile Mhlahlu, an expert on Xhosa traditions, understands the need for traditions to be integrated with modern scientific standards but he has reservations about how easy it may be.
Andile believes that while Xhosa boys can be medically circumcised before going to the mountain, they may be stigmatised upon returning to their communities. For many traditionalists the customary circumcision is an important part of the transition from boy to manhood. However Andile and Dr Trevor Majoro both agree that there are choices available and boys and their families should be made aware of their options and be able to discuss them in an open manner. For Dr Majoro there is more to the tradition than simply the cutting of the foreskin. Adjusting this part of the process to acknowledge modern health concerns and the great benefits of modern medical circumcision can be encouraged without undermining the tradition.
In Gauteng Peter Dlamini responded to the circumcision drive when he learned that it can reduce the risk of contracting HIV by 60 percent. Pete teaches others about HIV, so he saw getting circumcised as setting an example as well as taking an important step to protect himself and his wife. He was circumcised at Bophelo Pele, a male circumcision centre in Orange Farm. The centre’s Dr Mashego says that science shows us that from the 1980s countries which commonly practice circumcision have a lower rate of HIV infection. He explains that the inner foreskin is densely populated by Langerhans cells which are good receptors of HIV, so circumcision reduces the number of these cells and thus the chances of infection.
Circumcision is not a license to stop using condoms – as only using a condom can offer 100% protection – but it is an important step in reducing the number of infections. The government is especially targeting sexually active males – those aged 14-49 years – but any male can be circumcised. The staff at the clinic are ready to inform anyone who stops by about the procedure and to offer them HCT testing as an additional service. With the scientific benefits established and the government firmly behind the campaign, communities in South Africa must now engage themselves in the discussion about how to preserve important traditions whilst adapting to the needs of the modern day.