Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC)

When you hear or read the word Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) what comes to mind?

VMMC plays a critical role in HIV prevention efforts. CHS-Kenya with support from the United States Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), under the Shinda Tena project has been implementing the VMMC program in Siaya County to increase access to safe and voluntary circumcision services for men and boys.

We spoke to one of our experts, Maureen Akinyi a Lead VMMC surgeon at Bondo Sub County  Hospital to break it down.

What is VMMC? 

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is the complete surgical removal of the foreskin.

Why is VMMC important?

VMMC has a lot of importance to both genders.  It’s a one-time primary prevention intervention that reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 60%. It offers men substantial lifelong partial protection against HIV and a number of other sexually transmitted infections, and reduces risk of penile cancer and cervical cancer in female partners of circumcised men. It is easier to keep the penis clean and it also reduces the risk of Urinary Tract Infections in children. By preventing new HIV infections in men, male circumcision indirectly protects women.

How is HIV linked to VMMC?

You find that in males they have the Langerhans cells on the inner surface of the foreskin. Inside there are receptors that are likely to be the primary point of viral entry to an uncircumcised man.

How does VMMC benefit women?

Women enjoy a lot of benefits; VMMC reduces risk of Human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer, and with likely protection against trichomoniasis and certain genital ulcerative infections.

Are we making any progress in Siaya County?

Yes, we have made great progress with VMMC in Siaya County, uptake of VMMC among older male above 25 years has been very suboptimal. However, with introduction of the new technology/method called Shang Ring Device which is less painful, requires no stitching or injection, and is seamless with good cosmetic outcome, we have seen increase uptake of VMMC in this older populations

Tell us more about this Shang Ring method.

The Shang Ring device is a single-use disposable device consisting of two circular rings (an inner and outer ring) used to conduct male medical circumcision. The process involves the application of anesthetic cream to numb the areas, after which a small incision is made on the foreskin. The Shang Ring device is then placed over the penis, compressing the foreskin and causing it to detach from the penis. The excess foreskin is then removed with a scalpel, and the ring is left to help heal the wound. It comes with its own accessories that makes is quite convenient in use.

How much should I pay to get this service?

No one needs to pay for anything in the government health facilities. VMMC is completely free.

Currently, CHS is supporting 6 high and medium-volume government health facilities in Siaya County to provide comprehensive VMMC services; which include; HIV testing services (HTS), Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), sexually transmitted infections (STI) screening and treatment, circumcision and follow up for all those circumcised.