Circumcision is not widely practised among Zimbabwes cultural and religious groups, but the centuries-old procedure is now regarded as a key weapon in the countrys fight against the spread of HIV and Aids.
Trials in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa have shown that the operation, in which the foreskin is removed from the penis, reduces by 60% the risk of a man contracting HIV – the virus that causes Aids.
Zimbabwe has one of the highest HIV prevalence in the world – 13.7% in the 15 to 49 age group according to Ministry of Health statistics from 2009.
The government says the figures have been improving since 2007, when prevalence was more than 18%.
Officials say this is largely due to promotion of condoms, abstinence, and faithfulness to one partner.
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