King supports health strategy

THE World Health Organisation (WHO) has provided compelling evidence that male circumcision reduces the risk of acquired HIV infection in men by about 60% and has called for this practice to be implemented.

Heeding the WHO appeal, King Goodwill Zwelithini, through his Bayede Trust, is committed to providing free, safe, medically supervised circumcisions in a properly equipped setting utilising the services of USAID partners on the ground and working in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH).

‘Three randomised controlled trials have shown that male circumcision provided by well-trained health professionals in properly equipped settings is safe,’ said Bayede Trust CEO Rhana Naicker

‘Male circumcision provides only partial protection, and therefore should be only one element of a comprehensive HIV prevention package, which includes the provision of HIV testing and counselling services, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, the promotion of safer sex practices, the provision of male and female condoms and promotion of their correct and consistent use.

‘The Trust has recently secured sponsorship for upgrade of facilities via Dischem to bring much needed services in the uMkhanyakude District Municipality, one of the districts ravaged by the dreaded scourge of HIV/Aids.

‘A second such facility of His Majesty which will also focus on offering safe MMC services will soon be opened in Vryheid at eMondlo 2.

Limited resources

‘There is a great demand in the rural areas for free medically approved circumcisions,’ said Naicker.

‘We urge stakeholders on the ground to contribute by supporting such facilities of His Majesty, with much needed logistic resources,’ said Naicker.

‘Last week at our first camp in Nkodibe at the uMkhanyakude Bayede Wellness Centre, more than 100 boys could not be circumcised owing to challenges of transport from remote areas.

‘Our ultimate desire through the Bayede Trust is to solicit donor funding to build Wellness Centres in all 11 districts of the KZN Province.

‘The Trust will continue to work with USAID partners to augment services currently being provided by DoH.

‘Our mission towards the MMC programme is to take a holistic approach to managing and ultimately diminishing the impact of HIV and Aids’

For more information on how can contribute in your district or participate in a camp, email info@BayedeFoundation.org