Penile Cancer Surge in Malawi Highlights Need for VMMC

Mzuzu Central Hospital in Malawi is facing a troubling rise in penile cancer cases, with 2-3 new patients arriving daily. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision (VMMC), a procedure that significantly reduces the risk of penile cancer and HIV.

Dr. Alex Khombedza, the VMMC Coordinator at the hospital, has been vocal about the critical situation. "The issue of penile cancer is very serious. We do receive patients from different district hospitals within the northern region, two to three men per day. We do have many of them in our wards waiting for operation," he stated.

Penile cancer is primarily caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV), which also leads to cervical cancer in women. VMMC is an effective preventive measure as it removes the foreskin that harbors HPV. Dr. Khombedza explained, "The Human papillomavirus is also a pathogen which causes cervical cancer and so VMMC in relation to cervical cancer and penile cancer is quite advantageous in such a way that when you take away the foreskin which harbours the Human papillomavirus, you avoid these two diseases."

The rise in penile cancer cases in Malawi highlights the need for increased awareness and adoption of Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision, a vital public health intervention. If left unchecked, this trend could lead to a significant increase in HIV and penile cancer cases, with far-reaching consequences for the country's healthcare system and population.

VMMC is not only a preventive measure for penile cancer but also reduces the risk of contracting HIV by 60%. Despite its benefits, awareness and uptake of VMMC in Malawi remain low. Brian Mkandawire, Technical Lead for One Community, noted, "People have come to appreciate that male medical circumcision is a health issue since it is one way of preventing HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). But not everyone has been reached. The numbers still remain low when you compare with other countries like the United States."

VMMC is available for free in all public medical facilities in Malawi. However, Dr. Khombedza and Mkandawire stress the need for more collaboration among civil societies, the media, religious bodies, and traditional leaders to raise awareness about its benefits. Enhanced efforts in community sensitization and education could significantly increase the uptake of VMMC, thereby reducing the incidence of penile cancer and HIV.

The surge in penile cancer cases at Mzuzu Central Hospital is a sobering indication of the pressing health challenges in Malawi. Increasing the adoption of VMMC could be a vital step in combating these health issues and improving public health outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• Mzuzu Central Hospital in Malawi sees 2-3 new penile cancer cases daily.
• Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision (VMMC) reduces penile cancer and HIV risk.
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes penile cancer and cervical cancer in women.
• VMMC reduces HIV risk by 60% and is available for free in Malawi's public facilities.
• Increased awareness and adoption of VMMC can combat penile cancer and HIV in Malawi.