BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – If you are 15 years old and want to undergo circumcision, here is a lifetime opportunity for you.
Government, through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education and Training) has today (23 July 2024) launched the Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) school campaign.
According to Mancoba Shongwe, Demand Creation Officer, the campaign is aimed to provide safe, accessible, and voluntary circumcision services to men and boys in Eswatini.
“The campaign target is to encourage on-going school boys to uptake the services during the school holidays including the August holidays. We are dedicated to ensuring that this service is not only available but also accompanied by comprehensive education about the benefits of male circumcision to both men and women,” he said.
Shongwe explained that a key feature of the campaign is Human-Centered Design (HCD) approach.
He said this approach places the needs, experiences, and feedback of the community at the center of planning and execution.
“We have engaged with community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, health professionals, and potential beneficiaries to ensure that our services are respectful, culturally appropriate, and truly helpful,” he said.
Shongwe further explained that the program employs community mobilizers who are actively engaging with different communities by holding informational sessions and discussions at schools, sports grounds, and community gatherings. He said they aim to address concerns, provide accurate information, and answer any questions about VMMC.
“VMMC is available to boys aged 15 and above. We seek collaboration with headteachers, parents, and community leaders to support the program by allowing our mobilizers to educate male students. After each session, interested clients will receive consent forms to obtain parental approval. We ask parents to sign these forms,” he said.
Accessibility and duration:
The campaign will run from the 9th of August 2024 to the 9th of September 2024.
Health facilities will be ready to provide services like
Lubombo – Good Shepherd Hospital, Sithobela Clinic
Manzini – RFM Hospital, Chakaza Emphilweni clinic, TLC, Mankayane hospital, and Phocweni clinic
Hhohho – Mbabane Male wellness, Piggs Peak hospital
Shiselweni – Matsanjeni health center, Nhlangano health center and Hlathikhulu Hospital
