Zimbabwe: Male celebrities get circumcised in response to HIV

Musicians and soccer stars are among a group of Zimbabwean celebrities who have undergone male circumcision as a symbolic and practical act to fight HIV.

The government of Zimbabwe has set a goal for 217,800 men to be circumcised by the end of 2014. Last year, over 90,000 men were circumcised while about 40,755 underwent the procedure in 2012.

The government adopted circumcision as one of the comprehensive HIV prevention strategies in 2009, setting a target of circumcising 1.2 million men by 2015.

Celebrity support

Kumbirai Chatora, Population Services International (PSI) director of social marketing, said after the celebrities learnt about the benefits of male circumcision they decided to get circumcised.

“We are not targeting to circumcise celebrities, they themselves have come up for the service in their personal capacities and those celebrities who have been circumcised are popular musicians and soccer stars whom we are working with as brand ambassadors,” said Chatora.

“Research conducted by PSI suggests that social support from peers, partners, parents and role models is a motivating factor to the uptake of male circumcision and in this case celebrities are looked up to and respected by the communities and their fans.”

Dispelling misconceptions

She added that the celebrities are sharing their experience of getting circumcised in the media and helping dispel some of the misconceptions that men have around male circumcision such as fear of pain and the healing period.

“We have seen increased uptake of the service as many men now see it as normal part of their life to get circumcised. We are also working closely with the leadership at community level to increase acceptance of the service such as chiefs, headmasters and teachers,” said Chatora.

Hardlife Zvirekwi a soccer player recently joined other celebrities such as musicians Winky Dee, Suluman Chimbetu, Albert Nyathi and Fungisai Mashavave as well as disc jockeys Thabani Gambiza and Napster, who have been spearheading the pro-circumcision campaign through their careers.

Health benefits

Speaking in Harare last month, soon after he was circumcised Zvirekwi said it will benefit his family and career.

“I think it’s a good thing to do for hygiene and protection from diseases such as cervical cancer for women. You cannot preach what you don’t live, so I first consulted my wife and we decided I have to take the initiative,” said Zvirekwi.

Chipo Gaure, 35, a woman interviewed on the streets, said male circumcision is good as women also benefit. “I think male circumcision is a good thing that has happened to us as Zimbabweans not only for men but us as women as well. People do not realise how it affects us as women and completes the whole equation, we stand to benefit too. Though the challenge may be to get men forthcoming, us as women we have a supportive role to play,” said Chipo.

She added that a culture of circumcising boys when they are still babies should also be promoted in the country.

In contrast, Conrad Gweru, a social commentator based in Harare, does not feel motivated by the initiative. He said: “Actually the campaign itself has not motivated me I think it’s because of the cultural issues, if I have grown in a culture where that has been done I think I could have done that but for the meantime I have not been motivated, though I am still considering the issue.”

World Health Organisation recommendations

The World Health Organisation says that male circumcision should be considered an effective intervention for HIV prevention. It states: “There is compelling evidence that male circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by approximately 60%. Three randomized controlled trials have shown that male circumcision provided by well-trained health professionals in properly equipped settings is safe.”

The organisation further emphasises that male circumcision provides only partial protection and should be used with other prevention packages such as treatment of sexually transmitted infections, the promotion of safer sex practises, and the provision of male and female condoms.

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Image: Zimbabwean footballer Hardlife Zvirekwi after circumcision
© Population Services International