I was amazed to see an article about Prime Minister Odinga and other Lou government ministers to promote circumcision in their community and that they have the had done surgery recently. Odinga and others said it was circumcised, because they believe that it reduces the chance of contracting HIV. The researchers said that may decrease the circumcision HIV by 40-60% contract, but condoms have a 90% protection rate. When I have first heard of Odinga pleading his own Luo community encouraging everyone to prune, I wondered why must Odinga worry about anyway to get HIV? If it is not faithful to his wife? He tried to set a good example for his people and gave to this very personal medical choice in the world, but it is really something much unethical admit? If you read my other article on Kenya, I'm sure you can say that I'm not a big fan of Odinga, but lost my respect for him has to learn even more after these messages.
Circumcision is in Luo culture taboo and elders in the community feel that Odinga, the campaign to promote the practice is disrespectful. African traditions should be respected and honored, but the African cultures should like all cultures to the progress. I understand if people want to get rid of practices that are harmful (like FGM), but the Luo should not begin to curtail their people because they think that it will protect them from HIV, if it does not. A Luo elder and Pastor Recalls "Other communities practice circumcision, but there is still a high prevalence of HIV / AIDS ... I do not think that there will be a solution, the spread of AIDS to fight."
I personally think that it is equal Luo was the first time. I would never cut off a part of my child's body because it is common in my culture. A core philosophy in my belief system is to try to be as natural as possible. Its content with the way we are born thing.In 1975 a nice, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explained in no uncertain terms that "there is no absolute medical indication for routine circumcision of the newborn." In 1983, the AAP and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists pointed (ACOG) this position. In 1999 and again in 2005 the AAP again repeated this position of ambiguity.
I hope the Luo elders for the preservation of their culture continues to struggle. If not, what is the alternative? The Luo leaders in the article, it is not just about babies or young men are circumcised, they are also recommended adult men are circumcised. For example, a nearby tribe, do the Luhya, mass circumcisions at an annual festival. (Sounds plumbing, would not want an infection there.) Circumcision is not a mandatory policy of the government, but it is recommended. The BBC article says, "nearly 1,000 men are circumcised received two days training since March and medical workers ..." Two days training !!! I would even the question of whether this method is better or worse for the health of the community as a whole. The article says that Odinga chairman of the Luo Council of Elders, but it seems that it leads them astray in this matter. I hope to protect the Lou elders flight for their rights, their foreskin.
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