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fter promoting circumcision procedures in Papua as a method of AIDS prevention, the Papua AIDS Prevention Commission (KPAD) is introducing a new circumcision device to reduce the risk of HIV
infections.

Papua KPAD head Constant Karma said the device, named PrePex, was practical and easy to use as it provided non-surgical, medical adult male circumcision.

“Many men here refuse to be circumcised because they don’t want to take the pain during the procedure. This device is a new solution as it is painless,” said Karma.

Dr. Donald Aronggear, a surgeon at the Dok 2 regional hospital in Jayapura, showed how to place the device in front of doctors and hospital heads across the province
recently.

The device is made of elastic ring and placed on male genitals for seven days before it is released.

Aronggear said the release of the elastic ring was painless, hence there was no need for an injected anesthetic.

“All you have to do is insert the device on the genitals. The device will be removed after seven days and the circumcision process is complete, with no blood,” said Aronggear.

“During the use of the device, normal activities like urinating can still be done, but sex is not allowed during the seven-day period,” he added.

The device, Aronggear said, will be given to anyone who intends to undergo the circumcision
procedure, for free.

In 2007, the World Health Organization and UNAIDS proved that circumcised men reduce the risk of HIV infection by approximately 60 percent in high risk areas.

The Papua KPAD itself introduced male circumcision in an effort to control the number of HIV
infections in the region.

In Papua, male circumcision is not common due to the view shared by many that such a procedure is only carried out by Muslims. The majority religion in Papua is Christianity.

“Circumcision is not only about religion. It is a matter of reproductive health,” said Karma, adding that his team had promoted the device to hospitals in the province.

The device is currently available at the Dok II Jayapura hospital and will soon available at other
hospitals.

The spread of HIV infections in Papua is alarming. According to the Papua KPAD, HIV in Papua is transmitted through unsafe sexual intercourse.

Dian Harapan Waena Jayapura hospital, recorded 73 patients infected by the virus between January and April, while there were 30 cases from June to August.

“Most patients with HIV were diagnosed between the ages of 21 and 29 and they were Papuan natives,’’ said Bruder Agustinus Adi, coordinator of the hospital’s Voluntary Counseling and Testing
(VCT) unit.