By OLIVER SAMBOKO
OVER three million Zambians have been circumcised under the Government implemented Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) programme, Health Minister Jonas Chanda has said.
Dr. Chanda said this in a speech read by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary-Technical Services, Kennedy Malama during the virtual launch of the VMMC National Operation Plan 2021-2025.
He said the circumcision programme has resulted in the country averting over 26, 000 new HIV infections since its inception in 2007.
Dr Chanda reiterated Government’s commitment towards the reduction of HIV/AIDS disease burden, through the implementation of various prevention interventions such as VMMC.
He said Government through his ministry, and working in partnership with different stakeholders has since developed the 2021-2025 VMMC National Operation Plan aimed at circumcising another three million males by 2025.
And Senior Chief Madzimawe of the Ngoni of Eastern Province has commended Government’s efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS through the VMMC exercise.
He said Government should continue engaging with traditional leaders as it rolls out VMMC across the country.
