The Sabiny Elders Association has many other plans for enhancing their people's cultural traditions, Mr. Cheborian said. The language still does not have a written form and is in danger of extinction. The association has introduced some welfare programs, agricultural improvement campaigns and drives to educate people about AIDS and H.I.V., the virus that causes it. Before the award ceremony, he said he had some advice for others in Africa who have defended the tradition of female genital mutilation. Those are the facts that cannot change.
Doctors know that.
Those societies which are still seeing circumcision should come forward and be faithful to their children, not endanger them, not put them into hardship.