This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18549968#sa-ns_mchannel=rss&ns_source=PublicRSS20-sa
The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Zimbabwe's MPs to be circumcised in bid to fight HIV | Zimbabwe's MPs to be circumcised in bid to fight HIV |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| A group of Zimbabwean MPs is getting circumcised as part of a campaign to reduce HIV and Aids cases. | A group of Zimbabwean MPs is getting circumcised as part of a campaign to reduce HIV and Aids cases. |
| A small makeshift clinic for carrying out the procedures was erected in Parliament House in the capital Harare. | A small makeshift clinic for carrying out the procedures was erected in Parliament House in the capital Harare. |
| Blessing Chebundo, chairman of Zimbabwe Parliamentarians Against Aids, said his main objective was to inspire other citizens to follow suit. | Blessing Chebundo, chairman of Zimbabwe Parliamentarians Against Aids, said his main objective was to inspire other citizens to follow suit. |
| Research by the UN has suggested male circumcision can reduce the spread of HIV and Aids. | |
| A report by UNAids and the World Health Organisation said the risk of HIV infection among men could be reduced by 60%. | |
| More than a million people in Zimbabwe are believed to be HIV-positive, with about 500,000 receiving anti-retroviral treatment. | More than a million people in Zimbabwe are believed to be HIV-positive, with about 500,000 receiving anti-retroviral treatment. |
| Mr Chebundo said more than 120 MPs and parliamentary staff had shown an interest in the circumcision programme. | Mr Chebundo said more than 120 MPs and parliamentary staff had shown an interest in the circumcision programme. |
| Local artists, MPs, and drum majorettes from local schools led a colourful procession in Harare's city centre towards Africa Unity Square, just opposite parliament to kick start an event that is expected to see dozens of MPS getting circumcised. | |
| The message today is get circumcised and reduce the rate of HIV infection. | |
| It's the first time that MPs have ever been circumcised to raise the HIV and Aids awareness. | |
| The BBC's Brian Hungwe, in Harare says that by 12:00 local time (10:00GMT), four had had the procedure performed, with more expected later. | The BBC's Brian Hungwe, in Harare says that by 12:00 local time (10:00GMT), four had had the procedure performed, with more expected later. |
| Blessing Chebundo was the first to undergo the 10-minute operation. | |
| He told the BBC there was a possibility that some members of the executive may also attend, including President Robert Mugabe. | |
| The circumcision programme had attracted a lot of attention in Zimbabwe, and had divided opinion, our correspondent said. | The circumcision programme had attracted a lot of attention in Zimbabwe, and had divided opinion, our correspondent said. |
| The issue was raised in parliament in September 2011, when Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe made a plea to her fellow politicians. | The issue was raised in parliament in September 2011, when Deputy Prime Minister Thokozani Khupe made a plea to her fellow politicians. |
| At the time, many MPs shunned the idea. | At the time, many MPs shunned the idea. |
| As well as a clinic in parliament, the initiative has seen a tent set up across the road from parliament, where counselling sessions will be held. | As well as a clinic in parliament, the initiative has seen a tent set up across the road from parliament, where counselling sessions will be held. |
| Dr Owen Mugurungi, Director for Aids and TB unit with the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, applauded those involved, the Zimbabwe Mail reported. | |
| "We are happy with this initiative and we are happy more leaders will come on board," he was quoted as saying. |