CUTS

The Ministry of Health is targeting to circumcise one million men in the next four years.

Minister for Medical Services, Prof. Peter Nyong'o says Nyanza Province alone will account for about 430,000 of the men to be circumcised between the ages of 15 to 49 years of age.

The Minister in a speech read on his behalf by Kisumu Town West Member of Parliament, Olago Aluoch, during Nyanza stakeholders meeting on Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Programme (VMMC) at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu, said the Government was working with development partners to increase the number of health workers and facilities to cope with the increasing number of those keen on undergoing the rite.

"We have modified the provision of services in the form of outreaches in various outside the health facilities" he said.

The Minister said over 90,000 men had been circumcised since September 2008 when the programme was initiated.

The rush for the cut in Nyanza began two years ago when researchers tabled evidence at a conference in Kisumu, showing that male circumcision reduced HIV infections by 60 per cent.

Prime Minister, Raila Odinga graced the launch of the programme in Kisumu in September 2008, where he called on the youth to go for the cut to tame the increasing HIV-Aids pandemic in the region.

Prof. Nyong'o hailed concerted efforts by the political leadership, local leaders, elders, the media and health workers for mobilizing uncircumcised youths to go for the cut.

Medical experts say circumcision reduces chances of contracting the HIV/Aids virus by 60 percent.

"Circumcisions should be seen as an intervention to prevent HIV alongside the other practiced methods such as abstinence, being faithful and correct and consistent use of condoms"

The minister however cautioned that male circumcision does not offer complete protection against HIV infection.

He encouraged members of the public to seek VMMC services from the public health facilities and other private sectors with professionally trained health workers where their safety is guaranteed.