37 dead HIV infections prevented since June
July 8, 2009 Circumcision
Welcome to the tribe
The AP reports,
Health officials say 37 boys have died following traditional circumcisions in South Africa since June 1, with 13 deaths in the past week alone.
The number is a dramatic increase from last year’s 24 deaths. Provincial health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo says more than 100 boys have been hospitalized with infections caused by circumcision in Eastern Cape province.
Circumcision of youths in their late teens is a rite of passage for many in the Xhosa tribe.
It’s a lot easier to hide complications with newborns.
2 comments
Yes late teens. Not after 8 days, not with a trained specialist, not after sterilizing the area ALL religious circumcisions (except conversions which still apply the other two)
Apples and oranges, apples and oranges
God, that entire continent is just one horrible mess. I don’ t know whether it’s a result of colonialism, in spite of it, or both, and I don’t know what can be done about it.
You should watch that documentary I told you about, Guns, Germs and Steel, based on Jared Diamond’s book. It’s on DVD, and the NYC Public Library has it. Diamond talks about why he thinks Africa has turned out the way it has.
Leave a Comment