NYAMASHEKE- Residents of Kagano Sector in Nyamasheke District have requested health centres to consider offering reasonable circumcision services.

Circumcision services in health centres are not covered by medical insurance.

"For someone to get circumcised, they pay more than Rwf 10,000 which is a lot of money. We end up resorting to risky means of circumcision,” said Albert Nsanzamahoro, a resident.

Pascazia Nyirangirababyeyi, another resident, said people understand the importance of circumcision, including reducing the risk of contracting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, but it was expensive.

"It’s sad that our husbands can’t afford circumcision much as we know its importance,” she said.

Dr. Eustacia Basabose, the administrator of Nyamasheke Health Centre, encouraged residents with the means to pay for circumcision.

He pointed out at the possibility of conducting a free circumcision exercise at all health centres in Nyamasheke.

"We are much aware that the biggest percentage of men in Nyamasheke are not circumcised because they lack the means. That’s why we shall offer free circumcision in the near future,” said Basabose.

Scientific research trials have proven that medical male circumcision can protect men from HIV infection by up to 60 percent.

Ends