adminZIMBABWE is set to save approximately $1,3 billion by 2025 if it manages to circumcise 1,3 million males between the ages of 13 and 29 by 2017.
This was said by the Advocacy and Communications officer in the Ministry of Health and Child Care TB and Aids Unit Mr Brian Nachipo at a media workshop on voluntary medical male circumcision hosted by Population Services (PSI) in Gweru last week.
“Zimbabwe aims to circumcise 1,3 million males between 13 and 29 years by 2017 in order to save about $1,3 billion by the year 2025,” he said.
Zimbabwe is circumcising primarily HIV negative men in a bid to reduce the chances of them acquiring HIV by an estimated 60 percent which saves the country a lot of money as they will not require HIV treatment and related services if they maintain their HIV negative status.
Mr Nachipo further said if the 1,3 million people are circumcised, there is a possibility that by 2017 Zimbabwe will have averted 212 000 HIV infections. Since the inception of the circumcision programme in Zimbabwe in 2009, a total of 540 473 males have been circumcised.
“A total of 540 437 males have been circumcised and our target stands at 1,3 million. It is almost at the half way mark of where we want to be. From January to August 2015 we have 127 790 men that have been circumcised and we are impressed,” he said.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care said their 2015 target is to circumcise 266 580 men. The shortage of human resources is affecting the programme as some skilled personnel leave the country after training under the programme, leaving fewer people to do the job. They also face transport problems to reach out to many people that are in need of the service as some have to be ferried to their homes after the procedures.
Online Reporter