By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West Department of Health calls on men and young boys (from the age of 10 years) to take advantage of the free, safe and voluntary medical male circumcision services offered by healthcare facilities across the province.
The North West Department of Health, Tebogo Lekgethwane said with winter season at hand, the department anticipates a surge in cases related to male circumcision due to illegal initiation schools or botched circumcisions that have potential to place health and lives of initiates at risk.
Lekgethwane said medical researchers have confirmed that male circumcision has been proven to reduce the risk of HIV transmission and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) by up to 60%. He further said, therefore, men and boys over the age of 10 years are urged to visit their nearest health facilities for more information or to book an appointment for this free and safe service.
“Please note that male medical circumcision is not a substitute for practicing safe sex, prevention and abstinence. The use of condoms is still a highly recommended method of prevention of sexually transmitted infections.
“The department managed to perform 57 766 medical male circumcisions in the 2023/24 financial year, with Ngaka Modiri Molema District leading with 10 728 cases/procedures performed. The department is working in collaboration with development partners such as Lamula Health Service, Bokamoso Social Upliftment, Right to Care and Southern Health Foundation to roll out this service,” added Lekgethwane.
The Guardian 