Parents urged to utilize free circumcision services this winter

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The Gauteng Department of Health has encouraged parents, guardians, and eligible males to utilize free medical circumcision services at public health facilities across the province.

This encouragement coincides with the onset of the winter circumcision season, emphasizing the importance of accessing these health services during this time.

According to the department, Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is a safe surgical procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals in 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, the department spokesperson Steve Mabona added.

He emphasised VMMC has been shown to significantly lower the risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV in men, with studies indicating a reduction in risk by approximately 60 percent.

“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.

Peak season for circumcision demand

“The winter season traditionally sees increased demand for circumcision services as many families utilise the school holiday period to access the procedure.

“The department therefore urges 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,” he remarked.

Mabona stated that 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, including Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, Sedibeng and the West Rand.

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To access VMMC services, boys under the age of 18 years are requested to bring a certified copy of the parent or legal guardian’s identity document and signed informed consent from the parent or guardian, while all men require a certified copy of their ID or birth certificate.

He continued, “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.”