The County Government of Uasin Gishu is putting up measures to avert complications that arise from circumcision.
This is a proactive measure even as the circumcision period nears. Some fatalities and health complications were recorded last year.
The Department of Health on Wednesday held a meeting with officials from the National Syndemic Disease Control Council (NSDCC) and the African Character Initiation Program (ACIP) over this matter.
The primary objective of the discussion was on the training and certification of circumcisors, as well as providing an extended package of services to initiates, which includes HIV testing and counselling, STI screening and treatment, value training, life skills education, and prevention of gender-based violence (GBV) and substance abuse.
Eligibility screenings for initiates before circumcision
During the meeting, Health Services County Executive Dr. Abraham Serem emphasized the importance of implementing robust eligibility screenings for initiates before circumcision, highlighting that those undergoing the procedure will be tested for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes.
Additionally, Dr. Serem announced that initiates will receive a tetanus injection before the circumcision exercise begins.
“This initiative aims to not only make the circumcision process safer but also to ensure the overall health and well-being of the initiates and the training and certification of circumcisors will help establish standardized procedures that prioritize safety and hygiene,” said Dr Serem.
Dr Serem also noted that plans to conduct outreach exercises involving opinion leaders, chiefs, elders and church representatives to sensitize the community about the initiatives will be introduced.
“It is imperative that we work together with the community to ensure that everyone understands the value of safe circumcision practices and the additional health services that we are providing,” he said.
According to Faith from NSDCC, the initiative aims at harmonising traditional practices with modern health services by ensuring that cultural rites are carried out safely and responsibly.
Uasin Gishu: How many people are living with HIV?
The CECM also attended a multi-sectoral HIV/AIDS committee meeting where he engaged with a team charged with providing oversight for the HIV response at the county level.
The County HIV/AIDs dashboard indicator performance was reviewed where People living with HIV stood at 35,659 and those on ART at 34,321 with a mother-to-child transmission rate of 12.5%.
