Condomise, and be safe
The Mmashela Health clinic in Umbilo, which does free male circumcision, is now open, after its services were suspended due to the pandemic.
PHAKAMANI Ndlovu, founder of Phakamani Empowerment, which encourages voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), and a condom project in eThekwini, is passionate about youth and community development.
With many of the youth at home during lockdown, Ndlovu said he wanted to get the message out to the youth to be safe.
“My aim is to assist the fight against HIV, STIs, unplanned pregnancy and alleviate poverty attacking the vulnerable youth residing in parts of eThekwini,” he said.
Phakamani Empowerment aspires to educate the community about the importance of condomising.
“We do condom demonstrations and educate the community about the risks involved in ‘unsafe sexual activities’. We also distribute government male condoms, female condoms and lubricant in the community.”
Phakamani Empowerment is also partnered with Mmashela Health, based in Umbilo Road, to provide men in the community, aged 15 to 49, with free medical male circumcision.
“Research has shown that circumcision decreases sexually transmitted infections and HIV by up to 60 per cent. The clinic is now open, after its services were suspended due to the pandemic,” he said.
Phakamani is also desperately looking for sponsors to sustain the projects, and urges people who are passionate about the cause to contact him.
The Mmashela Health clinic is situated on the first floor at 416 Umbilo Road. Contact Phakamani on 083 761 5841 regarding the clinic, VMMC or condom projects, or for any help with sponsorship.
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