SYDNEY SAIZE IN MUTARE
The uptake of vasectomy, a surgical procedure for male sterilisation or permanent contraception, is high in Manicaland Province, the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) said this week.
ZNFPC Manicaland provincial manager Dyson Masvingise revealed that the province has the highest number of men on vasectomy.
‘‘We have got to a situation where Manicaland Province tops in statistics of more males in the province that have chosen to go on vasectomy. It is very encouraging that awareness on permanent means of family planning and birth control has been appreciated,’’ Masvingise told Business Times.
He said naturally permanent ways of birth control were not easily accepted but society was slowly embracing it.
‘‘In the past it was something that was being frowned at, however times have changed,’’ said Masvingise.
Masvingise said at least 27% of men in the province have gone on vasectomy compared to a national total of 15%.
‘‘The Manyikas have taken it upon themselves to lead the way on the vasectomy way of birth control.
Julius Mangenje who underwent vasectomy last year said the procedure was smart and he had no need to have his spouse take birth control pills regularly.
‘‘It has proven to be a convenient way of family planning since we have the kids we have and has saved the day,’’ Mangenje said.
‘‘Many people still think it’s absurd for a man to take that route, but I realised that there is no harm in taking a permanent measure as a family man who knows what I and my family need to be,’’ said Mangenje.
