Panafrican News Agency - December 18, 2001
Peter Angwenyi, a former University of Nairobi lecturer of history and now MP for Kitutu Chache - a region where FGM is widely practised, was quoted by the local press as saying "it is a medically proven fact that uncircumcised boys and men were more susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV/AIDS."
Therefore circumcision for men should be made mandatory, he said.
Theories have been advanced by some doctors all over the world that circumcision could reduce risks of contracting the dreaded virus in men. Such postulations have also been dismissed by opposing authorities who saw no correlation between the rite and the HIV/AIDS prevalence.
The MP added that it was an open secret that many people from communities which did not practice male circumcision have died of HIV/AIDS-related diseases.
"What I am saying is that all men should face the knife as a matter of urgency if we have to put an end to the spread of AIDS," said Angwenyi, whose pro-FGM remarks sparked an uproar in parliament last week.
He said his circumcision proposal to the government should not be seen as a mere political rhetoric but as a matter of concern.
He said the government cannot stamp out FGM by issuing decrees but should instead organise massive civic education on the vice through village committees.
There has been no response from the government on the men-must- be-circumcised proposal from the lawmaker.
011218
PA011258
Copyright © 2001 - Panafrican News Agency. For information about the content or for permission to redistribute, publish or use for broadcast, contact the publisher: The Panafrican News Agency B.P. 4056, Dakar, Senegal. Tel: (221) 824-13-95 Fax: (221) 824-13-90 E-mail: quoiset@sonatel.senet.net.
AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2001. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1990, 2001. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. Feedback/Contact Us.