‘Remembered only for circumcision’: Boy child debate heats up

The government’s plan to circumcise 68,000 men has triggered a backlash, with some Malawians accusing authorities of remembering the boy child only when it is time for circumcision.

The debate erupted on social media, where users questioned why similar attention is not given to education, jobs and economic opportunities that shape the future of boys and young men.

The debate follows a disclosure by National Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Coordinator Martin Kapito that government has allocated K115 million for the programme in the 2026/27 financial year.

Kapito said the programme aims to reach 68,000 men and added that nearly two million males have undergone voluntary medical male circumcision since the programme was introduced in 2012.

He said voluntary medical male circumcision helps reduce the risk of HIV infection among men and also promotes hygiene.

The announcement drew mixed reactions online, with several social media users arguing that boys should benefit from broader development initiatives, including education and economic empowerment, in the same way girls are supported through scholarships and other programmes.

Facebook user Protasio Jedidiah said boys are often prioritised for circumcision while girls receive more educational and empowerment opportunities.

“Both children deserve equal investment; boys need education, protection and opportunities too, just as girls do.”

Social commentator Morton Baghaya also criticised what he described as a narrow focus on the boy child, writing on Facebook that “the boy child is only remembered when it’s time for circumcision.”

He argued that many young men are questioning why funding is available for circumcision while opportunities in business and other areas remain limited.

He also cautioned against interpreting circumcision as complete protection against HIV.

Some users questioned the programme itself.

Harry Kanyama asked whether circumcision is compulsory or voluntary, while others expressed concern that public messaging about the procedure’s role in HIV prevention could be misunderstood.

However, other social media users welcomed the programme, saying voluntary medical male circumcision has health benefits and should remain available to those who choose to undergo the procedure.

Voluntary medical male circumcision remains part of Malawi’s HIV prevention strategy. Health authorities say the procedure reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of HIV infection and should be used alongside other preventive measures, including consistent condom use and safer sexual practices.