Youth at risk of HIV after the cut

[Guest guest]

Youth at risk of HIV after the cut

Updated 8 hr(s) 35 min(s) ago

By Anyuor

Luo elders say the youth undergoing circumcision are exposing themselves to

health risks, including HIV infection.

Led by former South Nyanza County Council chairman Akech Chieng, the elders said

most of the youth who have undergone the cut have misunderstood the concept and

are involving themselves in unsafe sex.

Homa Bay Mayor Casmiel Binge urged the youth to remain faithful to their

partners or abstain from sex, adding circumcision offered no protection against

the Aids causing virus.

" Our people should be careful because circumcision alone is not enough. Most of

those infected elsewhere are circumcised, " Mr Binge said.

The leaders also said residents were being forced to undergo the cut.

" We should not be cut forcefully. The campaigns mean we are forced into it,

which is wrong and it is duping our youth into immorality, " Mr Akech said.

Medical Male Circumcision was introduced in Nyanza Province to curb the spread

of HIV after studies showed uncircumcised men were in more danger of infection

than circumcised ones. Politicians, including Prime Minister Raila Odinga,

supported the move.

The elders were speaking in Homa Bay town as the Government marked the end of

its one-week campaign for the exercise in 12 districts in Luo Nyanza.

HIV funds

They also accused the Government of leaving the HIV and AIDS funds in the hands

of politicians who squander it.

" Those who have been infected and affected by the disease do not receive the

money because politicians are embezzling it. The money should not go through

these politicians, " Akech said.

Reacting to the accusations, Provincial Director of Public Health and Sanitation

Kioko said circumcision is voluntary and urged the leaders to support it

for its health advantages. " We are not forcing anyone to it. The Wazee should

not accuse us falsely, " he said.

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/InsidePage.php?id=2000005745 & cid=159 & story=Y\

outh%20at%20risk%20of%20HIV%20after%20the%20cut

[Guest guest]

Youth at risk of HIV after the cut

Updated 8 hr(s) 35 min(s) ago

By Anyuor

Luo elders say the youth undergoing circumcision are exposing themselves to

health risks, including HIV infection.

Led by former South Nyanza County Council chairman Akech Chieng, the elders said

most of the youth who have undergone the cut have misunderstood the concept and

are involving themselves in unsafe sex.

Homa Bay Mayor Casmiel Binge urged the youth to remain faithful to their

partners or abstain from sex, adding circumcision offered no protection against

the Aids causing virus.

" Our people should be careful because circumcision alone is not enough. Most of

those infected elsewhere are circumcised, " Mr Binge said.

The leaders also said residents were being forced to undergo the cut.

" We should not be cut forcefully. The campaigns mean we are forced into it,

which is wrong and it is duping our youth into immorality, " Mr Akech said.

Medical Male Circumcision was introduced in Nyanza Province to curb the spread

of HIV after studies showed uncircumcised men were in more danger of infection

than circumcised ones. Politicians, including Prime Minister Raila Odinga,

supported the move.

The elders were speaking in Homa Bay town as the Government marked the end of

its one-week campaign for the exercise in 12 districts in Luo Nyanza.

HIV funds

They also accused the Government of leaving the HIV and AIDS funds in the hands

of politicians who squander it.

" Those who have been infected and affected by the disease do not receive the

money because politicians are embezzling it. The money should not go through

these politicians, " Akech said.

Reacting to the accusations, Provincial Director of Public Health and Sanitation

Kioko said circumcision is voluntary and urged the leaders to support it

for its health advantages. " We are not forcing anyone to it. The Wazee should

not accuse us falsely, " he said.

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/news/InsidePage.php?id=2000005745 & cid=159 & story=Y\

outh%20at%20risk%20of%20HIV%20after%20the%20cut