The perception and acceptability of male circumcision as an HIV preventive measure in Njombe town Council, Njombe region

Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) has been proved as a biomedical intervention that would be potential to save millions of lives and significant resources if it can be scaled up in high HIV prevalence regions where male circumcision is uncommon. While male circumcision is considered to be an effective new intervention in the fight against HIV and AIDS, it has raised social cultural debate and objection from different people in the community at large. The study aimed at examining the perception and acceptability of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision as a strategy for HIV prevention in Njombe town council with the highest HIV prevalence. The study adopted a descriptive case study, data collection was done through the use of interviews, questionnaires and literature review. The study population included community members and some officials who work in different organizations dealing with VMMC. The findings show that various factors influence community participation on male circumcision such as costs of service, wound healing time, awareness of the existence of male circumcision services and importance of male circumcision towards prevention of HIV. The study indicated that respondents are aware of the existing link between male circumcisions and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It was found out that factors that influenced the circumcision of males in the region were due to the ongoing campaign conducted by government and non-government organizations. The study also found out that many stakeholders participate in male circumcision including the government of Tanzania, WHO/UNAIDS, USAID and others. The study recommends that male circumcision should be integrated on the daily routine of health services that are provided in the facilities.