Abstract

This study sought to investigate people’s perception towards male circumcision as a tool to reduce Human Immuno-Deficiencymuno Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) infection in Masvingo district of Zimbabwe. It has been confirmed that few campaigns have been done to convince the general public of the value of male circumcision as a method to combat HIV infection, even among the Varemba and Shangaans who culturally practice male circumcision. The cost of circumcision is too high and prohibitive for many people. People are willing to change their behaviour after circumcision, provided they are well informed about it and there are adequate qualified medical practitioners in clinics and hospitals in the district to pass this knowledge to them. People are aware of male circumcision, though some are afraid of it. The study recommends that HIV and AIDS awareness campaigns should be increased to provide adequate information on circumcision and how it promotes reduction of infection. The cost of medical male circumcision should be subsidized by the ministry of health and child welfare through a national policy.
 
Key words: Circumcision, male, Human Immuno-Deficiency muno Virus (HIV), Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).