Medical male circumcision (MMC) is one of the successful measures in the prevention of HIV transmission.
Michael Mapongwana, Kraaifontein, Eerste River and Kleinvlei Community Health Centres (CHC) are actively promoting the male medical circumcision programme.
Males from the age of 15 and above may make an appointment at any one of these facilities to have the procedure done.
The 30 minute procedure is performed by trained health care workers and holds many health advantages such as:
The patient will be discharged from the facility on the day that the procedure is done, but complete healing will take up to six weeks. During the procedure, a cut is made and stitched up. Medical male circumcision entails the full removal of the foreskin. Facilities provide patients with safe, clean, and hygienic procedures.
The person must come back in 48 hours to check if there are no complications.
Parents may also choose to have the procedure done on their male babies/child(ren).
Many cultures and religions only support partial circumcision, but for full health benefits, a medical circumcision is recommended.
Although having the procedure reduces the risk of being infected by HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), it is still advisable to use contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of HIV and STDs.
If a client wants further details or to make an appointment, they can contact:
Michael Mapongwana CHC
Mr Gadu
Tel: 021 361 3353
Kraaifontein CHC
Ms Steyn
Tel: 021 987 0080
Eerste River CHC
Ms James
Tel: 021 444 7144/ 7141
Kleinvlei CHC
Ms Jonkers
Tel: 021 904 3421
Sithembiso Magubane
Communications Officer: District Health Services & Programmes
Tel: 021 483 2904
Cell: 071 315 3581
Email: Sithembiso.Magubane@westerncape.gov.za