Traditionally, South Africans believe that circumcision should be done in winter, but medical male circumcision general manager at Right to Care, Dr Khumbulani Moyo says that should not be the case.
“We get long queues during the winter months while our clinics are virtually empty in summer. Getting circumcised during the holiday season offer a perfect time as people won’t be working. Even those that are working, we suggest circumcisions on a Friday so they can recuperate on the weekend and be back at work on Monday,” he says.
Dr Khumbulani says the procedure is done free at clinics, community health centres and district hospitals across the country.
“Right to Care also has a network of private general practitioners who perform circumcisions for free. It also has a mobile medical male circumcision (MMC) clinic that can be deployed in Gauteng and Mpumalanga when there is a large number of men wanting free circumcision,” he says.
According to Right to Care, more than 1.8 million circumcisions have been done in South Africa as part of the Department of Health’s HIV prevention strategy. Right to Care conducted almost 600 000 in Gauteng and Mpumalanga.
“It is important that circumcision is done in a safe and hygienic setting. At the same time, health practitioners also offer confidential counselling and testing for HIV. Even those that are HIV infected are still offered the procedure,” he says.
After circumcision, patients are advised to still use condoms when having sex, sticking to one sexual partner and know their HIV status.
Right to Care encourages voluntary MMC for men and boys in the target age group between 15 and 49. All minors aged under 18 need parental consent.
For your nearest MMC centre, cal the toll free number 0800 448 024, send a ‘please call me’ to 082 808 6152 or a blank SMS to 41449.
