Kagiso Modupe, his wife, Liza, and residents walk through Katlehong before he is circumcised as part of the campaign.
Men and boys across Tshwane can now book free circumcisions at any local clinic following the launch of an awareness programme by the city’s health services.
The programme, which started in August, aims at promoting sexual health issues by focusing on the importance of male circumcisions, City of Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said.
“The objective of this awareness programme is to educate and profile medical male circumcision as a germ-free procedure wherein the full removal of the foreskin is performed in order to reduce the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV on HIV-negative male persons.”
Bookings for this procedure can be made throughout the year at any local clinic and transport will be provided to the prospective patient to and from the circumcision clinic.
The programme is open to males aged 10 years and older, he said.
“School children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“Prospective patients who are not yet 18 years old, should have their birth certificate, copy of ID, a consent form – to be obtained from the clinic where the booking was made – signed by the parent as well as a copy of the parents’ ID.”
Not only does male circumcision reduce the risks of contracting sexually transmitted infections, it makes the penis easier to clean, reduces the risk of penile cancer and cervical cancer in female sex partners.
“Prospective or interested persons should note that the male circumcision is performed within hours and the patient will be back home on the same day of arrival,” Mashigo said.
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