At the forefront of the battle against South Africa’s HIV epidemic, JPS Africa (JPSA) is on a drive to educate the health sector and the South African public on the monumental benefits of a circumcised nation.

JPS Africa, a non-profit organisation focused on enhancing access to high-quality HIV and AIDS prevention services in South Africa, is a front-runner in the voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) training space, focusing on educating participants on the best infection prevention practices at their health facilities.

The benefits of medical male circumcision extend beyond greatly improved genital hygiene; it is a crucial public health strategy in the ongoing fight against HIV/ AIDS in South Africa. JPS Africa, a key player in this field, offers training programmes on voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) that blend medical expertise with a profound understanding of community health needs.

JPSA’s approach is to empower healthcare professionals and communities alike, enabling them to make informed decisions and achieve better health outcomes. Today, we’ll concentrate on the effects of MMC and highlight JPS Africa’s contribution to training healthcare professionals and the resulting significant improvements in public health narratives and outcomes.

MMC is an intervention gaining recognition for its contribution to health, particularly in relation to HIV prevention. Numerous global health organisations have extensively supported this procedure, which involves the removal of the foreskin from the penis, due to its health benefits. While we will delve into the range of its advantages later, it is important to grasp that MMC is more than a simple medical procedure; it is an active step towards enhancing personal and community well-being. This introduction to MMC lays the groundwork for exploring why considering this procedure can be advantageous for both individual and public health.

Medical Male Circumcision and HIV

MMC is a proven procedure that reduces the risk of HIV transmission in heterosexual men by approximately 60%. In South Africa, where HIV prevalence is among the highest globally, MMC plays a major role as a preventative measure. Statistics indicate that 18.8% of South African males are affected by HIV emphasising the need for effective prevention strategies — an alarming statistic considering the low circumcision rate of 45%.

By incorporating MMC into health policies and programmes, South Africa aims not only to control the spread of HIV but also to alleviate the burden it places on individuals and healthcare systems. The effectiveness of MMC in preventing HIV offers hope for combating this epidemic. Presents a tangible solution to address this complex public health challenge.

JPS Africa’s Involvement and Expertise

JPS Africa has established a prominent presence in the field of MMC training, showcasing a history of contributions and accomplishments. Apart from being the training provider of choice for over a decade, JPSA has also successfully trained over 7500 roleplayers in the field of Medical Male Circumcision.

JPSA’s journey in this domain reflects its commitment to enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare professionals, ultimately leading to improved public health outcomes.

JPS Africa has established a reputation for excellence and innovation under the leadership of Managing Director, Ida Asia.

The three principles that underpin the VMMC work of JPS Africa (JPSA) are a person-centred approach to improve health seeking behaviour and informed decision-making of adolescent boys and men, gender discourse to reflect and address the health of men and the impact on women’s health, and collaborative partnerships to facilitate linkage to care and services across sectors and structures.

Despite operating in a highly competitive space, JPSA has cemented its position as a major role player in VMMC training and Direct Service Delivery.

A Comprehensive Training Approach

JPS Africa developed a comprehensive training programme that covers a range of topics to ensure comprehension and skill development. The internal processes are all geared towards quality training, ensuring competent providers and a safer VMMC environment for clients.

They have identified trainees as their primary customers, and pride themselves in recruiting only the best trainers. Proficient clinicians enhances quality and ensures safe care to clients.    

An important aspect of their training is the emphasis placed on the advantages of VMMC, which include its role in reducing the risk of cervical cancer for female partners. By focusing on preventing cancer, they highlight how male and female health are interconnected and how MMC can have an impact beyond just individual benefits.

The programme is also focused on correcting common misperceptions surrounding VMMC, by crushing popular myths and offering factual information in its place.

Challenges in Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Implementation

Promoting Medical Male Circumcision among older age groups poses unique challenges for JPS Africa. This demographic often holds deep-rooted beliefs and may be more resistant to adopting new health interventions.

Historical data shows that the majority of clients accessing MMC services are between 10 and 14, where the risk is lower. They strive for robust demand generation that will target the 15-year-old and older age groups, where circumcision rates remain low.

Addressing Misconceptions and Educating the Community

JPS Africa actively confronts common misconceptions about MMC. These include misunderstandings about its effectiveness in HIV prevention and unfounded beliefs about its impact on sexual function and appearance.

Through educational campaigns and one-on-one counselling, they disseminate accurate, science-based information. This approach not only corrects false beliefs but also builds trust in the procedure, encouraging wider acceptance and participation in MMC programmes.

VMMC Myths vs Facts

The public often confuses popular myths with the actual benefits of VMMC, a focus point of rectification in their training.

Some of these myths include:

 

• • That VMMC reduces the risk of HIV infection by 100% as opposed to the actual 60%.
  • That there is no need to continue using condoms after undergoing VMMC.
  • That VMMC is an effective remedy for sexual dysfunction (impotence).
  • That VMMC will increase or decrease the size of the organ.

Partnerships and Collaboration

JPS Africa enhances its MMC initiatives through strategic partnerships with various organisations and the Department of Health. These collaborations extend their reach and impact, ensuring a comprehensive and integrated approach to MMC training and implementation. Working with partners like Jhpiego, PSI, Right to Care, and TBHIV Care, JPS Africa fortifies its training programmes, offering a diverse range of expertise and resources.

JPS Africa stands as a beacon in the VMMC training space, combining expertise, community understanding, and innovative approaches. Their role is pivotal in advancing public health through MMC.

Training Courses

Our training courses, thoroughly constructed to address the multifaceted nature of MMC, range from HIV testing services to emergency preparedness, quality improvement, and adverse event management. Each course serves as a building block in the larger structure of holistic health service provision. They empower healthcare providers not just to perform MMC but to advocate for it, to understand its place within broader health strategies, and to continually seek improvement in their practice.

JPS Africa offers a 2-Day HIV Testing Services Training Course, a cornerstone of JPS Africa’s educational offerings. This course goes beyond the mere mechanics of testing; it delves into the nuances of ethical practice, the importance of compassionate counselling, and the integration of testing services within the larger context of sexual health. It’s a course that acknowledges the weight of an HIV diagnosis and equips healthcare workers with the tools to support patients regardless of their test results.

The 3-Day Surgical MMC Training Course (Refresher) offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skill-building. It’s a comprehensive dive into the world of MMC, addressing the ‘how-to’ without neglecting the ‘why’. This course aims to influence the participants’ attitudes towards MMC in a positive way, to provide them with knowledge and skills needed to provide MMC and other reproductive health counselling and to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to establish or improve infection prevention practices at their facilities.

This 3-Day Surgical MMC Training Course is a Refresher Course and testament to JPS Africa’s commitment to enhancing the capabilities of medical professionals, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to perform MMC safely and effectively. Upon completion, participants are well-prepared to contribute significantly to public health efforts, with a particular focus on reducing the spread of HIV.

The 5-Day Surgical MMC Training Course teaches participants advanced surgical techniques, emergency preparedness, and client-centred care. This training is about depth, ensuring that when faced with challenges, healthcare providers are not merely reacting but are ready with a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw upon.

This extensive 5-Day Surgical MMC Training Course by JPS Africa is designed to empower medical officers, clinical associates, and professional nurses with the advanced skills required for safe medical male circumcisions. Upon completion, participants are not only adept at performing MMC but are also advocates for its implementation, contributing to the overall goal of reducing HIV transmission rates at the primary healthcare level.

The 2-Day Basic Life Support and VMMC Emergency Training Course enables participants to understand and relay the relationship between male circumcision and HIV to their patients.It will also empower them to link Male circumcision to other male sexual and reproductive health services, educate and counsel adult and adolescent clients about male circumcision, conduct screening of clients for MMC eligibility and much more.

The 2-Day Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) in VMMC Course runs over two days, during which healthcare workers learn to see their work through a lens of continuous improvement, where every piece of data, every client interaction, is an opportunity to enhance the service they provide. It’s a course that instills the mindset of ‘better’, driving home the point that good enough never is.

JPS Africa introduces a dynamic and engaging 2-Day Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Course, targeting healthcare professionals dedicated to elevating the standard of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) services. This course is designed to instill a deep understanding of CQI processes and their pivotal role in enhancing the VMMC programme’s effectiveness and outcomes.

This CQI course is specially tailored for clinical and non-clinical teams who are at the forefront of providing VMMC services. It embodies JPS Africa’s dedication to nurturing a quality-centric mindset, ensuring that VMMC programmes not only meet but exceed healthcare standards, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes and enhanced public health impact.

Lastly, the 1-Day VMMC Adverse Events and Emergencies Training tackles the realities of complications head-on. Adverse events in MMC can be daunting, but with this training, healthcare providers learn to identify, manage, and report them with confidence and precision. It is a programme that puts the needs of its trainees first, ensuring that the path to an HIV-free generation is one of security and trust.

These courses are interconnected, creating a comprehensive learning journey for healthcare providers. From understanding the ethical considerations of HIV testing to managing post-operative care, each course builds upon the last offering valuable skills and knowledge that supports the ultimate goal of improving public health through MMC.

The courses are a reflection of JPS Africa’s commitment to not just treat or educate but to empower. They are designed to create healthcare providers who are more than just technicians; they are advocates, educators, and leaders in their fields.

The impact of these training courses is far-reaching. It’s not just about the immediate effects of improved surgical techniques or the ability to manage emergencies. The ripple effects are felt in the increased trust within communities, the empowered decisions by adolescent boys and men, and the enhanced health outcomes for both individuals and populations.

The VMMC Adverse Events and Emergencies Training Course offered by JPS Africa is a specialised programme developed to empower healthcare providers with critical knowledge and skills for managing adverse events in VMMC. This course is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of clients by enabling the early identification, management, and reporting of any complications that may arise during or after the circumcision process.

2-Day HIV Testing Services (HTS) Training Course: A Cornerstone in HIV Prevention

In an ambitious stride towards eradicating the HIV epidemic, JPS Africa has introduced a pivotal 2-day HIV Testing Services Training Course. This course is a testament to JPS Africa’s dedication to educating healthcare professionals on the importance of accurate, timely, and compassionate HIV testing services (HTS). The introductions set the stage for the course and give participants a foundational understanding of HTS in South Africa. It provides an overview of HTS, instilling a foundational understanding of its role in HIV prevention. Participants engage in group education and individual counselling sessions, honing in-service communication and counselling skills. Discussion on the traits of effective communicators and barriers faced by clients seeking HTS paves the way for practical learning.

The session concludes with a focus on key messages about HTS and male reproductive health, underscoring the critical interplay between testing and prevention.

The second day commences with a focus on legal and ethical considerations, crucial for maintaining professionalism in HTS.  Safety protocols for testing sites and quality control measures form the core of the morning’s agenda, ensuring that participants can maintain high standards of practice.  A segment on infection prevention and control measures fortifies participants’ ability to uphold safety and accuracy in testing.

This comprehensive HTS training course is designed to provide healthcare workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver high-quality HTS. It is an essential component of JPS Africa’s broader strategy to reduce HIV transmission and support the health of the nation. Participants in this course will emerge as critical frontline workers, equipped to identify individuals living with HIV and connect them to the care they need, ensuring a holistic approach to HIV prevention and treatment.

JPS Africa as the Disruptor

In the dynamic landscape of public health in South Africa, JPS Africa (JPSA) has emerged as a key force, driving the transformation of medical male circumcision (MMC) in South Africa. JPSA’s approach, deeply rooted in person-centred care, gender discourse, and collaborative partnerships, sets the stage for a deep conversation on VMMC.

JPS Africa’s passionate drive, underscored by values of hard work, quality, and safe clinical practice, has marked JPSA as a “disruptor” in the South African VMMC space. JPSA embraces this phrase, which frequently has negative connotations, as a positive force for change, demonstrating their dedication to upending the status quo and fostering progress. Yet, disruption, especially in a competitive environment such as VMMC, is not without its complexities and tensions.

A small number of powerful partners have historically dominated the VMMC landscape in South Africa, maintaining a tight grip on the industry frequently at the expense of smaller companies looking to enter.

JPSA recognises the need to address these barriers, advocating for an open and healthy competitive environment that can spur improved programming, access to VMMC services, and seamless linkage to other health services.

The influx of General Practitioner (GP) networks into the VMMC fold, though contributing to the diversification of service provision, has also introduced heightened risks and costs, seemingly at odds with the development-oriented approach of skill transfer and the gradual transition of services to the Department of Health (DOH).

Amidst such challenges, JPSA remains unyielding in its pursuit of creating innovative, superior options for the communities it serves, carving out its unique space within the sector.

A lack of variety in approaches to VMMC can stifle problem-solving and innovation. JPSA believes that new partnership models between established and emerging players are essential to injecting diversity into the sector and creating an enabling environment for disruptors to thrive.

With its significant role in VMMC training, direct service delivery, and demand creation, JPSA has established itself as a major player, bringing a fresh perspective and approach to the table.

The resilience inherent in JPSA’s DNA has seen the organisation navigate through difficult times, often requiring shifts in strategy and making cost-intensive adjustments to their model to ensure successful implementation and execution. However, JPSA’s agility in improvisation, utilising every challenge as a stepping stone for improvement, has been commendable. Known for their rapid response and flexibility, JPSA’s negotiation prowess and relationship-building skills have enabled them to penetrate new areas with ease, demonstrating their adaptability in a sector that is constantly evolving.

To make a lasting impact, JPSA understands the necessity of standing out and stepping up, ensuring visibility among stakeholders to distinguish themselves as exceptional. In a space that demands constant innovation and adaptability, JPSA’s proactive and visible engagement with stakeholders is a testament to their commitment to not just participate in the VMMC conversation but to lead it.

JPS Africa’s journey is one of continuous learning, adaptation, and a bold willingness to challenge conventional narratives within the VMMC space. Our role as a disruptor is not merely about being different; it’s about being a catalyst for change, advocating for diverse methodologies and inclusivity, and driving forward the conversation on how VMMC can be leveraged for the greater good of public health in South Africa.

As JPSA continues to navigate the complexities of the VMMC landscape, their efforts serve as a beacon for what is possible when passion, expertise, and a commitment to community well-being are at the heart of public health initiatives. Our ability to swiftly adapt and adjust their strategies in the face of challenges exemplifies the kind of resilience and ingenuity required to make significant strides in the realm of public health.

The story of JPSA’s involvement in MMC is one of courage, innovation, and an unwavering dedication to improving health outcomes. It is a narrative that speaks to the power of principled engagement the impact of collaborative effort and the transformative potential of health services when delivered with a commitment to excellence and community benefit.

Through our suite of training courses, JPSA is not only addressing the immediate needs of MMC but is also shaping a future where health services are accessible, equitable, and of the highest quality. We are crafting a narrative of hope and progress, where every intervention, every partnership, and every training course contributes to a healthier, more informed, and empowered South Africa.

JPS Africa’s commitment to combating HIV through medical male circumcision (MMC) is a beacon of hope in the public health sector of South Africa. Our multifaceted approach, including comprehensive training programmes and partnerships, underscores their dedication to empowering healthcare professionals and enhancing community health. As we reflect on the profound impact of this work, we are reminded of the power of informed decision-making, the importance of addressing both male and female health concerns, and the necessity of collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes.

At the forefront of addressing South Africa’s HIV challenges, JPS Africa has established itself as a significant educational force, shaping the narrative around medical male circumcision (MMC) and its benefits. With these training programmes, JPS Africa has not only provided healthcare professionals with the tools and knowledge to improve MMC practices but has also played a crucial role in public health advocacy and the prevention of HIV transmission.

A key aspect of JPS Africa’s mission is to confront and correct common misconceptions about MMC, thereby fostering a more informed public and encouraging the uptake of MMC. Our programmes are designed to be more than just training sessions; they are platforms for empowerment, dialogue, and transformation in healthcare. By focusing on MMC as a critical component in the fight against HIV, JPS Africa has positioned itself at the core of a public health revolution.

Moreover, JPS Africa’s commitment to collaboration with various organisations and the Department of Health has amplified their impact, allowing for a more integrated approach to health service delivery. Our role as a disruptor in the VMMC space is a testament to their willingness to challenge the status quo, advocate for inclusive health strategies, and drive meaningful change.

As JPS Africa continues to navigate the complexities of health service provision, our focus remains steadfast on creating innovative solutions and fostering an environment where high-quality, safe, and effective MMC services are the norm. Our courses are a reflection of this commitment, shaping a future where healthcare excellence in MMC is not an aspiration but a reality.

Discover more about MMC and JPS Africa’s impactful training and direct service delivery programmes. Join the movement to enhance public health and explore how you can contribute to this vital cause.