About 529 men aged between 15 and 49 have been circumcised at Mingkaman of Awerial County in Lakes State since a voluntary medical male circumcision campaign started last week.
The Medical Corps of the South Sudan People’s Defense (SSPDF) with support from the American research firm, RTI International, on 18 March commenced the campaign targeting 500 males aged between 15 and 49 in Awerial County.
The 10-day exercise aims to reduce the high rate of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS among young people by 30 percent.
James Manyiel Agup, Awerial County medical officer, told Radio Tamazuj that the exercise concluded on Tuesday and that they had surpassed the target.
“The number of people circumcised is 529 within the period of ten days. We were targeting 500, that is 50 people per day. We targeted 500 for ten days but now we have even gone beyond target with the extra 29,” said Manyiel.
“The process was welcomed by the community and the community even wanted the services to continue but due to budget lines, it was only slated for ten days,” he said.
Mabor Madienga, one of the beneficiaries, hailed the medical corps for initiating this program.
“I have been circumcised and it has taken two weeks now since I was circumcised. Many people have been circumcised; they circumcised 50 people per day,” said Mabor.