Gauteng has seen an increased demand for male medical circumcision since the launch of the HIV Counseling and Testing campaign last year.
A total of 13 000 were conducted since April last year, 30% above the target for the year ending next month which was 10 000. This was revealed at the Provincial Health Council, a meeting between the MEC for Health and social development and members of mayor committees from Gauteng municipalities.
The service is currently available the following facilities: Zola Community Health Centre, Jubilee, Helen Joseph Hospital, Odi, Dr George Mukhari, Kopanong, Dr Yusuf Dadoo, Heidelberg, Sebokeng, Pretoria West, Edenvale, Chris Hani Baragwanath, South Rand, Tambo Memorial Hospitals plus Non Governmental Organisations clinics Batho Pele, Zuzimpilo and Zazi.
While circumcision has been shown to reduce the transmission of HIV transmission to men, it is still important for men to take precautions. Condoms should continue to be used even after circumcision. The department made available 8 903 000 male and 107 680 female condoms in the month of January 2011 alone. These are freely available at all public health facilities and other public centres.
However knowing your HIV status and that of your partner abstaining from unprotected sex, faithfulness to one partner remain important methods of stopping the spread of this disease.
Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC Ntombi Mekgwe says the department will continue to forge partnerships in campaigns to improve the health of the population.
“Together, we need to encourage women to book their antenatal classes with clinics within 20 weeks of pregnancy. This will assist in reducing the rate of transmission of HIV from mother to child and thus improve our child mortality rates,” adds MEC Mekgwe.
Enquiries:
Simon Zwane
Cell: 082 551 9892
