Initiation injuries have increased over the past two years

The number of initiation injuries has increased over the past two years.

The cases of injuries have increased from 11 in 2013 and 16 in 2014 and there hasn’t been a total number of injuries for 2015 as the circumcision season is still on.

“We can’t tell for this year, it might be higher or lower but the problem is the illegal initiation schools like the one that was in Meadowlands.

“Young men suffer from excessive cold at these illegal schools but luckily one death has been reported in 2013,” said Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng shadow MEC for health.

27 men were treated in Gauteng health facilities in 2013 and 2014 for injuries or illness obtained from initiation schools.

According to Gauteng MEC for health, Qedani Mahlangu, the department is working closely with CONTRALESA through the Gauteng AIDS Council to ensure that good medical practice is maintained at initiation schools.

Traditional leaders are requested to provide a list of recognised traditional surgeons and headmen to avoid bogus schools.

Initiation principals are also encouraged to partner with contracted NGOs to perform Male Medical Circumcision.

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