Experts demand end to traditional circumcision after boy’s death

Child rights experts have called on the government to abolish traditional circumcision practices involving children, arguing that they violate children’s rights and expose them to serious health risks.

The call follows the death of a nine-year-old boy who reportedly died after undergoing traditional circumcision at an initiation camp in Thyolo District.

The boy is reported to have died on Saturday, August 15, after allegedly losing a significant amount of blood following the procedure.

Speaking to Malawi 24, child rights expert Desmond Mhango said the incident was a clear indication that traditional circumcision practices could be putting more children at risk.

> “This shows that this circumcision is not acceptable and is a violation of child rights,” said Mhango.

Mhango said while cultural practices should be respected, there was a need to abolish traditional circumcision of children and instead promote medically supervised circumcision.

He further called on traditional initiation leaders to ensure that qualified medical personnel are involved in circumcision procedures where the practice continues.

According to Mhango, the death should also prompt authorities to investigate whether similar incidents involving children have occurred in the past.

He said protecting children from preventable harm should take precedence over cultural practices, particularly where such practices expose children to serious health complications or death.

The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of traditional initiation ceremonies involving children and the need for stronger government oversight to protect children’s rights.