CHILD CIRCUMCISION in AFRICAN CULTURE: MATTERS ARISING

The removal of the clitoris in the reproductive parts of individual is reffered to as 'circuncision' This is prevalent in many African countries today. Without mincing words, it is a cultural norm, which must be observed prior to the attainment of maturity. Some parents prefer to do this for their children at tender age while some prefer to defer it till the period of adolescence. Those that do this at infancy believe that the pain would be too much for a child to bear at the adolescence age.

Much as circumcision has cultural value, particularly in African countries, there are many problems that are inherent in it. It can lead to the transmission of HIV virus fron one individual to another, particularly when unsterilised equipment is used.

It can also lead to the infection of the reproductive organ of the individual when infected with microorganisms like 'tetanus', which can also lead to barenness of female and at times death. If not properly carried out, it can result to bleeeding, which if not properly managed can result to untimely death.Moreover, it promotes promiscuity among females due to the fact that the circumcised individual sees herself as adult who is capable of engaging in sexual affair.

Over the years, there have been controversies trailing the issue of circumcision. Much of the arguments have been in favour of its stoppage particularly among females. However, in view of the negative consequences of circumcision, it is imperative that it should be stopped for the female but in the case of the male, it should be properly carried out while sterilised equipment should be used.