An Assessment of the Impact of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Campaign on Curbing the Spread of Hiv and Aids: a Case Study of Karateng' Location in Kisumu County

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of voluntary medical male circumcision on curbing the spread of HIV and AIDS. The study had five objectives. It used descriptive research design and purposive sampling, where participants, opinion leaders and health workers were targeted for data collection. It used qualitative data collection technique, where interview guides and schedules were applied to collect data from Focus Group Discussions and key informants. Thematic data analysis was used and presentation done using narrative approach. The findings indicate that despite people, especially the young, embracing circumcision, the practice has not changed behaviour patterns, as people continue to engage in risky sexual encounters that expose them to HIV. The study also found out that most people who underwent the cut were influenced by peers and opinion leaders, with majority saying careless sexual behaviours among the circumcised had increased. It also established that communication on reasons for circumcision was not well stipulated; a shortfall that has kept away the older population, as the already circumcised believe transmission was due to the foreskin, hence removal thereby meant lowering risk. The study recommends enhancing communication campaigns to reach the public and to clarify what in can achieve and what cannot be guaranteed. The study also recommends the 60 percent prevention success be accompanied by a rider message that if circumcised population adheres to other interventions such as condom use, being faithful and testing. It also recommends the health sector injects more resources that will enhance the campaign, while circumcising more young male population, who will then cascade benefits to older population. This way, all males who go for circumcision will be informed on its benefits.