Circumcision …,

Intro

My audience in Uganda may be asking, what new thing can we get from this post?

Surely a lot has been said on this topic in our country, ( that is, Circumcision and HIV/AIDS).

I will limit myself to: on how to access the service and  on some important things to consider.
Therefore indulge me:

Now let’s Dive in!

I am focusing on Safe Male Circumcision (this is defined as circumcision done in accredited health facilities by accredited health workers).

I am not talking about cultural or religious circumcision; aka... “mount Elgon” or “mount Rwenzori or “old Kampala”

Access to the service:

Circumcision in Uganda is now a National Policy but it is not compulsory. Any male person from birth to “old” is encouraged to circumcise. Access to circumcision is mainly through the following:

1.      Health NGO’s (including HIV/AIDS NGO’s) which provide free circumcision to anyone willing.

•    Either through static public (government)health facilities and hospitals or
•  Through camps set at important areas like schools, churches

 2.      Private and Missionary Hospitals and Health Facilities with credible surgical expertise.

But from my observation, there are two groups of people who are not easily benefiting from the free circumcision services offered by the NGO’s.

a.   Children (you know:.... they kick  and scream, they have to be put to sleep first) see illustration.
 b.   Urban Men (you know what I am saying:……. “status”, “swag”, “privacy”…).

These two groups will probably end up paying for the circumcision.

Important things to consider!

Healing time: Circumcision = to a wound, (a surgical wound, which is optimized to heal as fast as possible)

Healing takes between 1 week and 3 weeks, and is much faster in children and than adults.

The one key thing you must do is to be hygienic,

Please be hygienic to avoid the wound getting infected hence delaying your healing. Infections prolong the healing.

The cost of the procedure: Range around the country in reputable Facilities:

•          Children: UGX 150k - 500k (k means 000)
•         Adults: UGX 100k - 300k

This procedure is not covered by insurance.

In summary,

Circumcision is greatly encouraged in Uganda, its advantages you all know, and it is a free service due to the campaign against HIV/AIDS.

But if you have a young boy, or if swag is your other name…. then you may need to dig into your pockets to have it done.

Chao for now………

Feel free to leave a comment or send me mail for further correspondence.