Male circumcision, defined as the surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis, is one of the oldest and most common surgical procedures globally, practiced for diverse cultural and religious reasons. This procedure offers significant health benefits for all men, regardless of their HIV status, by reducing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), cancer of the penis, and protecting against urinary tract infections. Furthermore, it has been noted that male circumcision can lower the risk of cervical cancer in women whose partners are circumcised.

Despite these universal benefits, Dr. Alick Akufuna, a surgeon at Hilltop Hospital, has voiced concerns about the stigmatization faced by HIV positive men in Zambia. He disclosed that while circumcision is generally recommended for all men, certain health centers in Zambia decline to circumcise HIV positive individuals. This exclusion, Dr. Akufuna suggests, may stem from considerations such as potentially weakened immune systems in HIV positive men, which could lead to prolonged bleeding or adverse reactions to anesthesia during the operation.

However, Dr. Akufuna warns that treating HIV positive men differently from their HIV negative counterparts in this context not only increases stigmatization but may also compel them to seek surgical services from unsafe or poorly-trained providers, thus posing significant health risks. He emphasized that only HIV positive men are typically excluded from circumcision programs after their status is revealed during the screening process, despite the procedure's proven advantages for their health.

In an effort to raise awareness and promote male circumcision, the University of Zambia (UNZA) Clinic participated in the 2012 August male circumcision month, an initiative dedicated by the Ministry of Health. Thomas Mulela, the UNZA Clinic nurse in charge of male circumcision, reported a positive response and good turnout, particularly from students. From January 1 to August 26, 2012, the UNZA Clinic circumcised a total of 211 males, with 33 procedures conducted during August alone.

Mr. Mulela explained that the purpose of the male circumcision month was to educate uncircumcised men and offer free services from participating medical institutions. The 2012 campaign primarily targeted males aged between 13 and 49, a demographic successfully reached by the UNZA Clinic. While the main focus was on HIV negative men, as scientific evidence suggests circumcised men are less likely to contract HIV and other STIs like syphilis and herpes, Mr. Mulela strongly cautioned that circumcised men must still practice safe sex, as they remain susceptible to HIV/AIDS and other STIs.

Access to these vital services varies across the country. Government medical institutions and cooperating partners, such as the Society for Family Health, offer circumcision free of charge. In contrast, private medical institutions typically charge a minimum of K150,000 for the service. Currently, the UNZA Clinic provides circumcision services on a fortnightly basis, ensuring that all men undergo counselling before the procedure. Mr. Mulela encourages all men interested in circumcision or seeking more information to visit the UNZA Clinic for professional guidance and care, reinforcing the importance of relying on recommended health centers to avoid complications.