TC Newman Day Hospital to Hold Male Medical Circumcision Drive on 11 August

The Western Cape Department of Health's TC Newman Day Hospital in Paarl is actively promoting the elective male medical circumcision (MMC) programme. Any male between the ages of 15 and 49 may make an appointment at TC Newman to have a male medical circumcision (MMC) on 11 August 2011.

The male medical circumcision (MMC), which is performed by trained doctors and nurses in an equipped health facility or day clinic, holds many health advantages:

• Drastically reduces the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted illnesses.
• Eliminates tearing and bruising during sex thus reducing the opportunity for infections to take hold.
• Improved hygiene.
• Reduces the risk of developing penile cancer.
• Reduces the risk of passing the virus that causes cervical cancer to their female partners.

All men who have requested MMC will undergo counselling that includes advice on post-operative care, healthy sexual conduct and a HIV test. The procedure requires only local anaesthetic and takes about 30 minutes. The patient can leave the facility and go home after the procedure which takes about six weeks to heal completely; he will need to visit the facility again for a follow-up visit to ensure that the wound has healed properly before resuming normal sexual activity.

Men still need to use a new condom each time they have sex, even if they have been circumcised, as this action will further reduce the chance of infection, as well as avoiding unwanted pregnancy. Although many cultures and religions include circumcision in their traditions, it is important to note that only a full removal of the foreskin of the penis is effective in reducing the incidence of HIV infection.

The Department encourages all men who are interested in reducing the incidence of HIV infection to consider the safe, hygienic male medical circumcision (MMC). This is one of the methods that should be used in conjunction with behavioral change, using condoms and staying faithful to one partner to avoid the contraction of HIV.

To make an appointment or to find out more about male medical circumcision, please contact:

TC Newman Day Hospital (Paarl)
Mr Leonard Manchilla
Tel: 021 862 4520
Cell: 076 334 8351

Mr Awian Arendse
Tel: 021 862 4226
Cell: 084 600 9666

Date: 11 August 2011
Venue: TC Newman Day Hospital, Paarl

Information is also available on the Cape Gateway webpage: www.westerncape.gov.za