MP calls for circumcision checks
Publish date: 11 February 2019
Issue Number: 810
Diary: IBA Legalbrief Africa
Category: Tanzania
A female Tanzanian MP has called for checks to determine whether or not her male colleagues have undergone circumcision – a procedure known to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. BBC News reports that Jackline Ngonyani said any MPs found not to have been circumcised should be required to undergo the procedure. Her suggestion has divided her colleagues. About 5% of the adult population is believed to have been infected by HIV – giving it the 13th highest rate of infection in the world. The WHO says circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexual men contracting HIV by around 60%.
