Men and adolescent boys called to circumcise this winter
Right to Care’s qualified and friendly staff at Witbank Hospital, formerly known as New Start and Kwagga Men’s Clinic, operate from 08:00 to 16:00 Mondays to Fridays.
Right to Care is a NPO that advocates for medical male circumcision among teenage boys and men in eMalahleni is calling on men to get medically circumcised this winter.
The organisation provides prevention, care, and treatment for HIV and associated diseases.
According to Thabiso Modihe from Right to Care for Medical Male Circumcision (MMC), circumcision reduces the chance of getting HIV by 60%.
“Right to Care is South Africa’s primary medical male circumcision service provider, with 1,5 million men safely circumcised by the organisation since 2012,” shared Thabiso.
He that a medical male circumcision involves the complete removal of the foreskin and also helps prevent sexually transmitted infections and transmission of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) that causes cancer of the penis in men and cervical cancer in female partners.
“It is the right thing to do for yourself and your female partner. Getting circumcised will help you and your partners remain healthy while helping the fight against HIV/Aids,” Thabiso explained.
Medical circumcision is an easy procedure done under a local anesthetic that takes only 30 minutes.
Besides the anesthetic injection before the procedure, there is very little pain.
Complete healing takes about six weeks. You can resume your normal activities within one to three days after the procedure.
“Clients are given painkillers to manage any discomfort when the anesthetic wears off, and they return to the clinic on the second day after circumcision for a follow-up. During this visit, the bandage is removed, and the wound is checked. Seven days after the procedure, patients return to the clinic for a check-up. The stitches will fall out by themselves as the wound continues to heal. Your healthcare worker will explain how to care for your wound, and it is important to follow these instructions,” Thabiso added.
Any male from the age of 15 years old and above in good health, irrespective of HIV status, is eligible for free circumcision in South Africa.
Those under the age of 18 need parental consent. Men should present their Identity Documents, birth certificates, or asylum seeker permits to the healthcare worker at the clinic.
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