Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
South African Press Association - March 11, 2008
Addressing traditional healers in Polokwane, the minister said the World Health Organisation's view that male circumcision should be used as a prevention measure in the fight against HIV-Aids should be interrogated.
The health department said it believed this view was "incorrect and misleading".
It had therefore sought to discuss the matter with traditional leaders to "inform and enlighten all concerned".
Tshabalala-Msimang told traditional leaders and healers that cultural practices should not be used for "purposes other than those for which they were meant for at the beginning", her department said in a statement.
"She also called on all role-players to guard against sending confusing messages that would encourage people to get circumcised with the hope of not getting HIV infected," it said.
The minister again called on traditional leaders to "assert their role" in the fight against HIV-Aids.
Meetings with traditional leaders were being held in all the provinces and would culminate in a national workshop at the end of March where a national position on the World Health Organisation statement would be taken.
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