Audio By Carbonatix
Zimbabwe's male MPs are not enthusiastic about a call for them to be circumcised to set an example in the fight against Aids, the BBC has found.
Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe made the call, following evidence that circumcised men are 60% less likely to get infected with HIV.
Of eight MPs the BBC spoke to, only one said he would heed her suggestion.
One called it "madness", while another said he was setting a good example through his behaviour.
Zimbabwe is one of the countries worst hit by Aids and the government last year launched a campaign to circumcise up to 80% of the country's young men - some three million people.
The World Health Organization is encouraging men to get circumcised following studies in other African countries.
Aids experts, however, warn that using a condom, abstaining from sex or being faithful to one partner offer far greater protection against HIV infection.
'Circumcision of the mind'
Minister of National Healing Moses Mzila Ndlovu told the BBC's Brian Hungwe in Harare that some of his cabinet colleagues had described Ms Khupe's suggestion as "madness" and "bizarre".
"I don't see many takers but I'm not stopping anyone," he said.
His colleague Nelson Chamisa said it should be a matter of individual choice.
"It has to be a circumcision of the mind rather than circumcision of the organ," he said.
Edgar Mbwembwe, from Zanu-PF, was the only legislator who said he would go ahead with the procedure.
Another, Willias Madzamure, said the call was a good idea and said he was "seriously considering" it but did not firmly commit himself.
Two female MPs backed Ms Khupe.
Jessie Majome said: "Politicians, especially elected politicians, have a responsibility beyond the personal - they would set a good example if they did so."
Only a few of Zimbabwe's ethnic groups practise circumcision for cultural reasons.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Roads Ministry moves to ease payment bottlenecks affecting consultants
17 minutes -
US, South African buyers expressed interest in Northshore Apparel before production began — GEXIM CEO
23 minutes -
NAIMOS, security agencies raid illegal mining camps threatening Black Volta River in Savannah Region
24 minutes -
GhIE, Engineering bodies engage Roads Ministry over rising costs, project delays
25 minutes -
Values, disciplined execution key to effective African leadership – Ato Coleman, IMANI
33 minutes -
Northshore Apparel Hub to help reduce northern youth migration – CEO
33 minutes -
GES arrests 2 over alleged demands for money in recruitment exercise
36 minutes -
QNET appeals to pastors and religious organisations to warn members against job, travel, and human trafficking scams
36 minutes -
GMA partners Upper West authorities to enforce ‘No Life Jacket, No Boarding’ policy
39 minutes -
Northshore Apparel Hub shows what Ghanaian enterprise can achieve – GEXIM CEO
47 minutes -
Ghana wants investment, not aid from development partners – Mahama
51 minutes -
Northshore Apparel shows what 24-hour economy can deliver – Mahama
1 hour -
From refuse dump site to garment factory – CEO tells Northshore Apparel’s transformation story
1 hour -
AG inaugurates 11-member committee to implement Ghana’s proposed constitutional reforms
1 hour -
Add value to cotton before export – Trade Minister urges Ghana
1 hour