Sheikhs commended for their effort on medical male circumcision

Karonga district health officials have commended sheikhs in the district for encouraging Muslims to receive medical male circumcision. According to the clinical officer who is also the voluntary medical male circumcision provider David Siwale, a research conducted by some medical circumcision providers in the district indicated that non Muslims were lagging behind when it comes to opening up on matters of accessing male circumcision.

Siwale said for instance out of 94 people who went for the service in November and December, 55 were Muslims and 39 non Muslims. In his remarks district chairperson of Muslim Association of Malawi MAM Osman Mtenje said they have been disseminating the message about medical male circumcision through the meetings they conduct with their members. Siwale has therefore requested all leaders of non Muslims in Karonga district to sensitise their members as sheikhs do.

Responding to the request Pastor Simo Chibingo of Christian Resource Church and father Innocent Mlombwa of St Annies Parish in Chilumba said they have been sensitising their members since the development started and are optimistic that the number will continue growing. Meanwhile, Muslims in Karonga have pleaded with MAM and other Islamic organisations to deploy teachers to madrassas in all mosques in the district.

The development follows concerns by some sheikhs that reverts are unable to read the Quran and young Muslims perform poorly in Islamic school selection test. Speaking to radio Islam sheikh Yahaya Milanzi of Karonga main Mosque said only five mosques in Karonga district have voluntary madrassa teachers who also need training. Sheikh Isaac Msosa of Chilumba appealed to MAM to deploy teachers of good standard to the district. Responding to the request, chairperson of Muslim Association of Malawi in Karonga Osman Mtenje said they are aware of the development but the mother body does not have enough money to pay teachers when deployed.