Over 1 000 circumcised in KZN

2010-07-06 15:18

Durban - More than 1 000 youths have been circumcised in KwaZulu-Natal since the beginning of July, the provincial health department said on Tuesday.

"This number demonstrates the high uptake rate and confidence in the roll-out of the male circumcision campaign by the provincial government," it said.

Circumcision camps had been held since the start of the winter season as part of the department's drive to reduce HIV-infection among the youth.

As part of the campaign saw Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi and Premier Zweli Mkhize helped circumcise young men in Newcastle and uMzimkhulu.

"As government we are encouraged by the enthusiasm that has been shown by local traditional leaders, religious leaders, parents and health professionals," Mkhize said after visiting the camps at Madadeni Hospital and Ezakheni FET College.

In the first two days of the campaign, 850 youths were circumcised in camps in kwaNongoma, UMgungundlovu, Ladysmith, uMzimkhulu, Amajuba and Gamalakhe.

The KwaZulu-Natal government aims to circumcise 47 055 newborn boys and 186 703 youths during the 2010/11 financial year.

- SAPA