KZN circumcision camps underway

15 December 2014 - 10:30
By Sapa
26 initiates were saved from circumcision schools in the Pondoland area. Pic: JUSTINE GERARDY. 10/01/2001. © Daily Dispatch
26 initiates were saved from circumcision schools in the Pondoland area. Pic: JUSTINE GERARDY. 10/01/2001. © Daily Dispatch

The medical male circumcision (MMC) camps in KwaZulu-Natal were well underway, the provincial health department said on Sunday.

"Having commenced on December 7, 2014 the MMC camps are taking place throughout KwaZulu-Natal's 11 health districts and will continue until January 31, 2015," said spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi.

The three-day camps take place any day of the week during the school holidays but were usually held from Friday to Sunday.

"The clients come to a venue, usually a school, where they are taught life skills, undergo HIV testing and counselling and then [are] circumcised," said Mkhwanazi.

"They are then reviewed and discharged the following day."

Accommodation and catering was provided for the three days.

The camps began in 2010 following a call by King Goodwill Zwelithini to promote circumcision.

"The KwaZulu-Natal Medical Male Circumcision Centre of Excellence... has circumcised more than 474,556 males," said Mkhwanazi.

It aimed to have 2.5 million men circumcised by 2016.