The Medicines Research and Access Platform (MedRap) has commended authorities in Livingstone for moving in to disperse an illegal Mukanda camp where 48 adolescent boys were undergoing the rite of passage to adulthood.
MedRAP Executive Director, Liyoka Liyoka says while there is need to support growth of traditions and culture, there is a greater need to ensure that certain practices do not cause harm to society.
“The Government has acknowledged the importance of Mukanda Tradition in reducing HIV infection rate and Ministry of Health guidelines provide that only trained and qualified personnel should carryout circumcision procedures even in Mukanda camps,” said Mr. Liyoka in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He said guidance must be sought to protect society and safeguard rights, especially of adolescents.
“Zambia has integrated medically trained experts to carry out circumcision operations in traditional camps to ensure safety of adolescent boys,” said Mr. Liyoka in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Mr. Liyoka anything short of the guidelines should not be entertained and perpetrators must be brought to book.
In 2008, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) was widely used to distinguish clinically done circumcision carried out by medically trained experts from traditionally conducted circumcision done in initiation camps after several studies and clinical trials.
By Chimba Chilopa
