VMMCs cut as South Africa battles COVID

For the second year in a row, authorities in Limpopo and other South African provinces have put traditional initiation rites and medical male circumcisions (MMCs) on hold as they direct medical resources to respond to COVID-19, Health-E News reports. Health officials in Limpopo Province welcomed the postponement of initiation schools and said medical doctors in public and private practice have suspended most non-emergency medical procedures, including MMCs. The Traditional House of Leaders has been working with the Department of Health in Limpopo Province to involve medical doctors in performing male circumcisions during initiation rites for boys and young men (Health E-News, 7 July 2021).