Dhlomo warns men to condomise even after undergoing circumcision
There was a huge turnout of men and boys who came to take advantage of the circumcision clinics
KZN Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo has warned men not to use medical male circumcision as a license to have unprotected sex, as it only lowers the chances of HIV infection by 60%.
Dhlomo echoed the warning at the Mbumbulu Clinic on Tuesday where he performed the operation on four men.
There was a huge turnout of men and boys who came to take advantage of the circumcision clinics being held across the province during the current school break.
According to departmental statistics, KZN has already medically circumcised more than 700 000 men and boys since the tradition was revived.
‘We appeal to parents and guardians of all boys in KZN to take advantage of the circumcision camps we have organised throughout the province.
‘This is not only about cutting the foreskin, but also entails exposing young men to mentorship, moulding and life orientation,’ Dhlomo said.
‘By attending these camps, the boys are also taught how to become responsible men of tomorrow, who respect themselves, as well as women and children’
But he issued a stern warning that this should not be used as a license for wayward and sexually irresponsible behaviour, stressing it only lowers the risk of HIV infection.
‘Do not make the mistake of having unprotected sex just because you are circumcised. If you test positive you will be counselled and receive treatment. But if you test negative, you must strive to remain that way for as long as you live.
‘This you can achieve by ensuring you use dual protection, which entails using condoms every time you have sex, combining it with contraceptives for women to avoid unwanted pregnancies,’ he added.
Dhlomo further urged young people to remain sexually responsible and make the right decisions at all times.
‘You must remain HIV free so you can go to university and college, graduate, find work and fulfill your dreams.
‘Now is a crucial moment in your lives. Whatever you do can either lead you to a good future, or a bleak one. Do not waste your lives. Look after yourselves.’
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