Though both the Hadeeth and the Bible is very clear about circumcision still there are a lot of misconceptions among people of different traditions as well as some quarters of the society.
It is until the coming in of the HIV/AIDS pandemic that has brought to light the issue regarding circumcision following researches that were done in Uganda, Kenya, South Africa and other parts of the World.
The researches have revealed circumcision reduce chances of acquiring HIV infection in circumcised men from infected vagina-penile sex up to sixty percent.
In 2007, World Health Organization (WHO) recommended inclusion of male circumcision for countries with generalized HIV epidemics to include male circumcision in the national HIV prevention strategies and plans.
Malawi also adopted voluntary male circumcision policy and communication strategy in 2012.
Henry Chimbali spokesperson in the ministry of health said the country is making tremendous progress in as far as Voluntary Male Circumcision (VMMC) is concerned.
Chimbali said as of to date 2.1 million males aged between the ages of 15 to 49 have been circumcised preventing about 265,000 infections.
He said the ministry is targeting to conduct 1.8 million male circumcision by 2018.Chimbali added that the ministry has received funding from World Bank to increase the services in all districts.
Chimbali further said that people are not forced to do male circumcision but they should do so basing on their understanding on its importance and the benefits.
Studies have also shown that HIV prevalence rate is high among people who have never gone through male circumcision as opposed to those who have undergone through male circumcision.
Male circumcision is the complete removal of the fore skin. It has been performed on boys and men for many years primarily on religion and cultural reasons.
