Eastern Cape: circumcision, ukuthwala, teenage pregnancy and condoms

Abstract

With high rates of early sexual debut, low condom use and practices such as ukuthwala and traditional circumcision, the Eastern Cape faces unique health challenges. In August 2024, the HSRC hosted a provincial dialogue in East London to respond to the regional results of the Sixth South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey (SABSSM VI). The event encouraged open conversations and explored community-driven solutions to regional HIV rates and the problems that drive them.