SAFE ALTERNATIVE: Gauteng health urges boys and men to get free circumcisions

THE Gauteng Department of Health has launched its annual winter circumcision drive, urging boys and men across the province to take advantage of free Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) services offered at public healthcare facilities.

- WENDY DONDOLO

The call comes as the winter school holiday period approaches, traditionally a time when demand for circumcision services increases as families seek safer medical alternatives to traditional and illegal initiation practices.

The department said VMMC remains a key component of South Africa's HIV prevention strategy and offers a range of additional health benefits.

"Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is a safe surgical procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals in accredited health facilities," the department said.

Health authorities highlighted the role of circumcision in reducing HIV transmission, noting that the procedure has been proven to lower the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men.