Gauteng Health encourages use of free circumcision services | Soweto Urban

As the winter circumcision season gets under way, the Gauteng Department of Health is encouraging parents, guardians and eligible men to make use of free medical circumcision services available at public healthcare facilities across the province.

Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is a safe surgical procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals at accredited health facilities. The procedure forms part of South Africa’s comprehensive HIV prevention strategy and contributes to improved health outcomes for boys and men.

“VMMC has been shown to reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by about 60%. Additional health benefits include improved penile hygiene and a reduced risk of certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) and syphilis, as well as a lower risk of penile cancer.

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“The winter season traditionally sees increased demand for circumcision services as many families use the school holiday period to access the procedure,” said Gauteng MEC for Health Faith Mazibuko.

The department has urged parents and guardians to ensure that boys undergoing circumcision do so in safe medical environments where they can receive appropriate clinical care before, during and after the procedure.

VMMC services are available free of charge to boys and men aged 10 years and older at public health facilities across Gauteng’s five districts: Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng and the West Rand.

To access VMMC services, clients are required to bring the following documents:

• Boys younger than 18 years: A certified copy of the parent or legal guardian’s identity document, as well as signed informed consent from the parent or guardian.
• Men aged 18 years and older: A certified copy of their identity document or birth certificate.

“While VMMC offers significant protection against HIV and other infections, it does not provide complete protection. The department therefore encourages all individuals to continue practising safer sexual behaviours, including consistent and correct condom use, regular HIV testing and counselling, and adherence to other HIV prevention interventions,” said Mazibuko.