This goes well beyond putting their money where their mouths are:

More than 170 Zimbabwean MPs and parliamentary workers will be circumcised in the coming weeks to set a public example and defend themselves against catching HIV/Aids.

The politicians will also be tested for the disease and offered counselling if the results come back positive.

The announcement follows the launch of the Zimbabwe Parliamentarians against HIV and Aids campaign last week aimed at bringing down the country’s 15 per cent HIV infection rate.

All 150 male members of the 175-strong group have all committed to being circumcised, while its female members are encouraging their husbands and boyfriends to undergo the procedure.

This trend is spreading across sub-Saharan Africa, with Israeli doctors training their African colleagues in the procedure and new inventions being deployed to make the process simple, cheap and relatively painless.

Comments:


Mel Foil
Joined
Jun '10
etoiledunord

It's a lot better than going under the knife in French Revolution style.

CuriousJohn
Joined
Feb '12
CuriousJohn

Where did this come from The Onion? America's Finest News Source

Fred Cole
Joined
Nov '11
Fred Cole

That's an amazing title.


Joined
May '12
Will Wilbur

Way to, words fail me here--way to put your best foot forward, old chap!

wilber forge
Joined
Oct '10
wilber forge

An old friend spoke to this as one of the Rites to Manhood in the Pacific Islands. Involved a wooden block, local Shaman, a palm leaf wrap and standing in the surf for a time.  Now there is commitment.

Percival
Joined
Mar '11
Percival

Zimbob is bringing a whole new meaning to "skin in the game."

dogsbody
Joined
Sep '10
dogsbody

Great headline!


Joined
May '12
Will Wilbur

Having worked in hospitals for the past 30 years, "relatively painless" sounds suspiciously like "you're going to feel a little pressure now" just prior to the chest tube insertion through the rib cage.

Paul A. Rahe

There is a less painful way to avoid getting HIV.

Indaba
Joined
Apr '12
Indaba

It beats South Africa's President Zuma who recommends a shower to prevent Aids. The health minister suggested eating garlic - Guess that could be act as a prophylactic. After President Banana was put in jail by Mugabe for sodomy, it reduced the eye-catching newspaper headlines.

Arahant
Joined
Apr '12
Arahant
Paul A. Rahe: There is a less painful way to avoid getting HIV. · 52 minutes ago

Abstinance?  No, that would never work.

~Paules
Joined
Jun '10
~Paules

A good example of just dealing with the tip of the problem. 

Jimmy Carter
Joined
Jul '10
Jimmy Carter

HIV/AIDS Prevention: Heads Will Roll

DocJay
Joined
Jul '11
DocJay

They could try being monogamous but that won't work in those crazy cultures. Oh well, as the moyl says," ignorance is bris". Besides they can can make a suitcase that if palpated properly will make a nice tent in a rainstorm. So I'm told at least but the info is circumspect.

David Williamson
Joined
Mar '11
David Williamson

I recall a discussion I and Stuart had a while back on circumcision.

I am still not gonna have it cut off...

HVTs
Joined
Oct '10
HVTs

It took a long time for me to uncross my legs after reading this post.  Eventually I found solace in the ancient wisdom that, according to the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God, all cacti are endowed by their Creator but not equally . . .  or something like that.  The point is this problem is rooted in nature and therefore a few politicians getting a good clipping now and again is simply prudent pruning.

cacti

Joined
May '10
OkieSailor

Marital faithfulness? Could be worth a try, might even lead to a more fulfilling life. Endorsed by Higher Authority.

Paul DeRocco
Joined
Aug '10
Paul DeRocco

I must have missed the memo where they said that circumcision had been shown to prevent AIDS.

Stuart Creque
Joined
Dec '10
Stuart Creque

Paul, that would be this memo from the CDC.

Stuart Creque
Joined
Dec '10
Stuart Creque

Patients say the charmingly-named "Shang Ring" device is mostly painless and surprisingly easy to wear for the ten days it takes for the separation of the foreskin to be complete.

Seems like a good fit for Africa's needs: safe, easy and cheap.


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