Narrated Abu Huraira :
I heard the Prophet (saws) saying. "Five
practices are characteristics of the Fitra: Circumcision, Shaving the Pubic
Hair, Cutting the Moustaches Short, Clipping the Nails & Depilating the Hair of
the Armpits." (Sahih Bukhari -
Volume 7, Book 72, Number 779)
Circumcision Stands Test of Time
December 13 2006 at 03:18PM
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=14&click_id=117&art_id=iol1166013064120C300
By Talent Ng'andwe
Lusaka - For centuries, many of Africa's ethnic groups have practised male
circumcision, which usually takes place in late childhood or early adolescence.
Expanding the practice of male circumcision in Africa over the next 20 years
could prevent three million deaths, according to reports on the Science and
Development Network. Nearly six million HIV infections could be prevented, say
researchers.
In a study published in 2006 in the open-access journal Medicine, published
by the online Public Library of Science, the researchers combined results from
a trial in South Africa in 2005 showing that male circumcision reduces the
chance of men becoming infected with HIV by 60 per cent with data on HIV and
circumcision rates in sub-Saharan Africa.
They say that if circumcision were increased to include all men in Africa, in
ten years' time some two million new infections could be avoided. 300 000
deaths from HIV and Aids could be prevented within that decade.
But it would take time for the full impact to be recognisable. After 20 years,
the researchers say the number of deaths prevented would be between 1,6-million
and 5,8-million.
The researchers, led by Brian Williams of the World Health Organisation, say
that although male circumcision alone cannot bring HIV and Aids in Africa under
control, it should become a major part of programmes to control the epidemic.
Kasonde Bowa, a consultant urologist at Zambia's University Teaching Hospital
told SciDev.Net that since the hospital started male circumcision five years
ago the number of people requesting it has increased drastically. The
Lusaka-based hospital found it difficult to meet the demand.
AB
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
"For to us will be their return; then it will be for us to call them to
account." (Holy Quran 88:25-26)
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