The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has been made aware of a few adverse cases following the medical male circumcision using the tara klamp method over the past weekend, 10 to 11 April 2010 in KwaNongoma.
Last weekend, His Majesty; King Goodwill Zwelithini ka BhekuZulu, officially launched the medical male circumcision in KwaNongoma. Hundreds of young people (296), between the ages of 15 to 49 years, were screened and counselled ahead of the procedure being administered on them. Tens of enthusiastic doctors came in numbers to assist in circumcising the male folk; some from the Eastern Cape, Zimbabwe, Malaysia and Zambia.
“While swelling and sepsis are the main causes of complication in all circumcision cases; we have received reports that a few (four) cases have been referred to hospital complaining of swelling and pain. None of these cases can be classified as serious as doctors in all hospitals have managed these successfully. In a nutshell; we can say the launch was a resounding success. We would continue to monitor all cases as we expect them to come back for the removal of the device,” The Head of Department, Dr Sibongile Zungu said.
The department believes that there is an urgent need to seize the evidence of this important breakthrough which can systematically and speedily inform the people of the facts around HIV (through counselling). It also calls for an urgent integration of voluntary medical male circumcision into public health programmes. The department is acting quickly and decisively to translate science into new practices and behaviours with expected rewards accruing from real reduction in HIV transmission, reduction in human suffering and substantial savings from reduced numbers of those needing HIV treatment.
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 285 0567
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
16 April 2010
Source: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/)
