By SAMMY JAKAA
Kenya: A Non-Governmental Organization has targeted to circumcise 50,000 men in the country before the end of the April holidays.
Impact Research and Development Organization (IRDO) has launched an Accelerated Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (AVMMC) programme in the country for free.
The one month Rapid Response Initiative is targeting sexually active males in a move to eradicate HIV and AIDS in the country.
Speaking to The Standard on Thursday, IRDO Communications Officer Paul Ohaga said the programme runs in Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western and Nairobi regions.
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Mr Ohaga said during this holiday period, IRDO intends to reach at least 50,000 men with the cut. He said the NGO targets 30,000 men in Nyanza while the 20,000 in other regions including Rift Valley, Nairobi and Western.
“We are targeting to get at least 30,000 men in Nyanza and 20,000 in other regions we are operating in. IRDO’s principal mandate is to design, implement and evaluate HIV/AIDS research and intervention programs that improve the health status of individuals and local communities,” said Ohaga.
He said the circumcision will be conducted in three categories which include males of ages 25 years and above, 15 and 24 and those below 15 years.
“There is no client that will be turned back. However, while undertaking the services, ages of 25 and above years will be given biggest priority,” added Ohaga.
Research has indicated that medical male circumcision reduces the chances of contracting HIV by about 60 per cent in males and also prevents cervical cancer in women.
The NGO is expected to be in the country for a period of three years till the year 2015.
