To late or too old for circumcision

Repugnant, Shameful, Noxious and
Painful -
Not suitable for person over eighteen

I am writing in regard to a question about the impact of circumcision in Aids infections asked by Bruce N. during one of our session at the WoW 2007. Responding to this question, the guest of that day based on some studies couldn’t confirm the impact of this practice concerning AIDS’ spread thorough Africa. Definitely, last week other researchers have confirmed the World Health Organization’s early report which maintained that circumcision reduces chances of contracting HIV by up to 60%. Yet although countries such as Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Kenya have drawn up already plans for widespread circumcision, the South African government has done nothing to date.

Even though the WHO antenatal survey on percentage of HIV by age shows that person between 18 and 34 years old constitute the higher rated of infected, I wonder how many adult are willing to undergo this surgery. Especially in Southern Africa countries where there is a strong identity to African cultures. It is a traditional conception that circumcision takes away some of males’ sexual performances. Contrarily, in countries like DR Congo, where policy making always has to take in account the fact that 80% of population is of Christian’s belief, this practice is never questioned. Instead, it’s the fact to undergo circumcision as an adult which is considered as shameful.

Circumcision finds its origin in the Bible. Genesis 17 says that God made a covenant with Abram by what he called covenant of circumcision. Thereafter, God changed is name to Abraham as he made him a father of many nations; history shows that Israel and Palestine are among them. What is interesting is that Abram was ninety-nine years old when the Lord appeared to him and the Bible doesn’t say that Abraham did circumcise himself. The only precision for circumcision given in the Bible is that of every male of eight days old. Why to a so earlier age? May be the God of Abraham knew what he was talking about.

Those who had gone through this practice during their early age can’t suggest it to an adult for many reasons. For example, from a cultural point of view, what can think a traditional African man about his dignity if he shouldn’t wear pant, short or underwear? Beside the fact that you can’t wear anything tighter; with this surgical procedure, more you are old more you feel the pain. Just to imagine consequences and pain of an adult male’s physiologic reaction if he should bear surgery at his genital part…

Despite all efforts in countries like Kenya, rates of HIV remain high. Although circumcision alone does not prevent someone from becoming infected with HIV, it is clearly proven now that it lowers the risk of becoming infected and that it can be considered as an important HIV prevention strategy.

In medical sciences circumcision constitutes one of minors’ surgeries which need just few days for the circumcised to rehabilitate. However, people are rooted in their cultures, and this practice in countries where the worship of ancestors is high will always face resistance. This is a good way to go for future generation and today’s teenagers. But personally am little bit septic about the number of adult who would volunteer to it.