Male circumcision is surgical removal of the foreskin – the retractable skin that covers the head of the penis. The inner aspect of the foreskin is highly susceptible to HIV infections. Trained health professionals can safely remove the foreskin.
Since 2007 the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have recommended voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) as an important strategy for the prevention of heterosexually acquired HIV in men in settings where the prevalence of heterosexually transmitted HIV is high.
Below are some of the benefits of Male circumcision:-
- Medical male circumcision reduces the risk of female-to-male sexual transmission of HIV by approximately 60%. It should always be considered as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package of services and be used in conjunction with other methods of prevention. (World Health Organization-VMMC for HIV Prevention, Fact sheet: July 2012)
- Hygiene of the penis
- Reduce chances of getting sexually transmitted infections
- Reduce chances of transmitting HPV that causes cervical cancer to female partner
- Reduce chances of urinary tract diseases
- Treatment for phimosis and Para phimosis
EDARP has since November 2009 provided FREE and SAFE Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) services across its 14 clinics and recently in selected Nairobi City County Health Centres. EDARP has over the years provided VMMC services to over 100,000 clients offering both conventional surgical method and bloodless device (Shang Ring) method of circumcision.
Services offered alongside male circumcision (MC package)
Services offered alongside male circumcision (MC package) are-
- HIV Testing Services (HTS).
- Screening & treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI).
- VMMC & HIV counselling on risk reduction and safer sex.
- Linkages and referrals to other services including care and treatment.
- Post circumcision follow ups & adverse event(s) management.
In line with this national objective on priority age group, EDARP targets to offer VMMC services to clients aged 15 years and above.
Where to find our VMMC services?
Our FREE and safe VMMC services are available across our 14 EDARP clinics and in the following Nairobi City County MOH facilities- Dandora II Health Centre, Babadogo Health Centre, Kibra South Health Centre, Kibra Dispensary (Kwa DO) & Loco Health Centre (Railways).We are open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 4:00pm.It’s a walk in service no need for booking