Lusaka Province has recorded a decline in the uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) in 2025 due to reduced funding and support from cooperating partners.
Lusaka District Health Director, Simulyamana Choonga disclosed that over 69,000 men were circumcised against a target of more than 100,000 in 2025, compared to 87,000 men who underwent circumcision against the same target in 2024.
In an exclusive interview with ZANIS, Dr Choonga attributed the decline mainly to reduced outreach services following the termination of funding to some implementing partners who previously supported community mobilisation and logistics.
“In 2024, Lusaka Province performed fairly well, circumcising 87,661 men out of a target of 105,288, which translated to about 83 percent achievement. However, in 2025, we circumcised 69,419 men out of the same target, representing a performance of about 66 percent,” Dr Choonga said.
He explained that the VMMC programme, which was previously supported by donor-funded partners, has now been fully integrated into routine government health services.
ZANIS reports that Dr Choonga added that while the integration has strengthened sustainability, it has also affected outreach activities that were largely funded by partners.
He emphasised that VMMC services are now fully integrated into routine government healthcare and are being offered at health facilities and selected outreach points by trained government health workers.
“The service is available at clinics and hospitals across the province. Although outreach services have reduced, the programme is still active and being implemented throughout Lusaka Province,” Dr Choonga said.
He noted that uptake of VMMC remains high among adolescents and young people, but participation among adult men continues to be low due to work commitments, cultural beliefs, and misconceptions surrounding circumcision.
Dr Choonga, however, assured that the province remains compliant with all professional and operational standards, adding that VMMC services are provided in accordance with guidelines set by the Health Professions Council of Zambia.
He stressed that voluntary medical male circumcision remains a critical component of HIV prevention, particularly in reducing female-to-male transmission of HIV, while also improving personal hygiene and reducing the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections.
Dr Choonga encouraged men to take advantage of the free and safe service, noting that it is offered by trained healthcare professionals in all government health facilities.
“The Ministry of Health continues to prioritise VMMC as part of its HIV prevention strategy. While outreach programmes have reduced, the service is consistently available in clinics and hospitals, and we are working towards strengthening integration within government health financing,” he said.
Dr Choonga reaffirmed the Ministry of Health’s commitment to ensuring continued access to VMMC services across Lusaka Province and urged the public to utilise health facilities to access the service.
And Lusaka Resident, Christa Musomali, has men in the province and the country to take male circumcision seriously as it improves personal hygiene and reduces the risk of certain sexually transmitted infections.
