Turkish NGO provides free circumcision in Malawi

By Emin Ileri

ISTANBUL (AA) - A Turkish NGO has provided circumcision for needy people in Malawi free of charge.

The Diversity, an Istanbul-based international humanitarian relief association, funded circumcision for over 1,530 male children in the Lilongwe and Salima regions of the southeast African country.

The circumcisions were carried out from July 28 to Aug. 2, said a statement by the group. The program was assisted by eight volunteer doctors from Turkey.

Sakir Akiskali, who headed the project, said they did it in coordination with a local NGO called the Association of Sunni Madrassahs (ASUM).

"Circumcision with local methods is very painful and unhealthy. If they have to do it in hospitals, it takes around $100, which is unaffordable,” he explained.

“We helped parents get their children circumcised in a safe and healthy way free of charge. We also provided food and clothing aid.”

Akiskali said Malawi’s Health Ministry thanked the group and expressed interest in Turkish doctors giving training to Malawi doctors.