Circumcision of Children: A Path to Better Health and Preventing Diseases

Health authorities in Rwanda emphasize that circumcising young children is a practice with numerous benefits, particularly in preventing various diseases. Many parents have also noted that circumcision helps maintain better hygiene for their children, ensuring their overall health.

Circumcision of children has been a recommended practice for many years in Rwanda. Many parents who have embraced this practice claim that it has improved the hygiene and health of their children. Marie Claire Uwase, a mother from Huye , explains, “I am a parent who pays close attention to my children’s hygiene, and circumcising them has helped them avoid infections caused by poor hygiene. This is essential, especially for young children.”

Josephine Mukamana, another mother from Nyanza, agrees and highlights that circumcision is not just about hygiene. She believes it plays a key role in preventing diseases, stating, “I am committed to helping my children maintain good hygiene, and circumcision has been a great solution. A child without proper hygiene is at high risk of infections.”

Many parents, including Uwase and Mukamana, emphasize that circumcising their children at an early age has had a positive impact on their health. According to these parents, circumcision is not only about hygiene but also about ensuring their children’s overall well-being. It is seen as a preventive measure to protect against various health issues that may arise from poor hygiene.

By maintaining good hygiene through circumcision, children are also less likely to develop infections that could affect their growth and health. This has prompted many parents to make circumcision a priority as they seek to provide their children with the best possible start in life.

Dr. Jean Nepomuscene Ntawurushimana, a medical expert at the Butare University Teaching Hospital (CHUB), explains that circumcision in young children has positive health benefits. He notes that circumcision helps protect children from infections that could otherwise develop in areas prone to bacteria, such as the foreskin. He adds, “Circumcising children is essential in preventing infections and maintaining hygiene. I encourage all parents who have not yet had their children circumcised to consider doing so, as it plays a crucial role in protecting their health.”

A 2025 survey on lifestyles and health revealed that the circumcision rate in Rwanda is 56% among men aged 15-49. Among those aged 15-24, the rate is higher at 73%. However, the data shows a notable difference between urban and rural areas. In urban regions, 75% of men and boys are circumcised, while in rural areas, the rate drops to 52%.

These statistics show that circumcision is more widely practiced in urban areas, while rural populations are still lagging behind in adopting this health practice. This discrepancy highlights the need for more education and awareness campaigns, especially in rural regions, to promote the benefits of circumcision.

Circumcising children is supported by health professionals as an important step in preventing infections and ensuring the long-term well-being of children. Parents are encouraged to consider circumcision as a way to provide their children with better health outcomes. Health experts stress that circumcision is not just a hygiene practice; it is a preventive measure that helps children grow up healthier and stronger.

The Ministry of Health urges all parents to take part in this program, as it is crucial for the protection of their children’s health. By choosing circumcision, parents are making an important decision that will contribute to their children’s overall well-being, reducing the risk of diseases that stem from poor hygiene.