SOUTHERN CAPE NEWS - A medical male circumcision (MMC) outreach will be held every Friday at the Harry Comay Hospital in Nelson Mandela Boulevard.

MMC is the most hygienic, safest way to be circumcised, and the only way to ensure that one gets the full sexual and health benefits. It also improves hygiene and reduces the risk of developing penile cancer and the risk of passing the virus that causes cervical cancer to their female partners.

MMC is the complete removal of the foreskin. The procedure requires only local anaesthetic and takes about 20 minutes. Patients can leave the facility and go home after the procedure. The wound takes about 6 weeks to heal. Male circumcision is not a guarantee that you will not get HIV. Men still need to use a condom each time they have sex, even if they have been circumcised.

Patients are encouraged to contact their local clinic to make an appointment.

•Bitou sub-district: Every second Friday of the month at Plettenberg Bay Town Clinic

•George sub-district: Every Friday at Harry Comay Hospital

•Hessequa sub-district: Every Friday at Heidelberg Clinic. Every second Thursday at Riversdale Clinic, Albertinia and Melkhoutfontein outreaches (confirm dates with clinic)

•Kannaland sub-district: Every Wednesday at Alan Blyth Hospital

•Mossel Bay Hospital: Every Wednesday

•Oudtshoorn sub-district: Every Thursday afternoon from 14:00.

•Knysna sub-district: Every second Friday of the month at Knysna Hospital.

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