According to the WHO, male circumcision is considered AIDS prevention. Rhine Valley Hospital regularly performs surgeries to remove the foreskin. On the one hand, this reduces the risk of HIV infection in patients. On the other hand, medical personnel use the treatment to educate the population on how to avoid transmission of the virus. This is shown by the example of Kilonzo and Kevin.
If men have themselves circumcised, their risk of contracting the HIV virus or another STD decreases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), removal of both foreskin leaves in heterosexual men reduces the risk by up to 60 percent. WHO therefore recommends that circumcision be considered as a prevention measure in Africa.
Kilonzo and Kevin are 16 and 27 years old and live in Kasambara. Both men are mentally impaired and rely on self-care. In order for them to be able to do this, they have to overcome several challenges on a daily basis: they need food, clothing, shelter, and to take care of their personal hygiene.
Recently, Kilonzo and Kevin were patients at Rhine Valley Hospital and were circumcised. After surgery, the medical staff cared for them and supported them in multiple ways – physically, socially and economically. For example, the men learned that they must pay attention to clean clothes. Because only those who do not wear clothes smeared with feces can be part of a community.
The circumcision of Kilonzo and Kevin was therefore an important and significant boost to the prevention of HIV infection and prevalence (measure of disease incidence) in the population. In addition to medical treatment, the men were trained in basic skills to enable them to live as independently as possible.
Further, there is the possibility of connecting patients with a support group, encouraging them to partner with advocacy groups, or encouraging family members and religious associations to care for these individuals.
