Training and QA for HCPs
Why train in MMC
Medical Male Circumcision (MMC) is a scientifically proven and cost-effective biomedical HIV prevention method. Modelling suggests that for every 5 voluntary medical male circumcision procedures performed in South Africa, 1 new HIV infection is averted (Njeuhmeli et al, 2011). Medical male circumcision, in combination with other HIV prevention strategies, plays a vital role in the reduction of the number of new infections.
The science behind MMC
The inner foreskin is rich in Langerhans cells (HIV target cells). Shortly after sexual exposure to an HIV-positive partner, infected T-cells transfer HIV to Langerhans cells via dendrites that extend to just under the surface of the inner foreskin. The Langerhans cells with internalised HIV migrate and then pass HIV on to T-cells. Infection is exacerbated in inflammatory states associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A high foreskin surface area and tearing of the foreskin or associated frenulum during sexual intercourse also facilitate HIV entry. Thus, by various means, the foreskin is the primary biological weak point that permits HIV infection during heterosexual intercourse (Morris, B. & Wamai, R.). ).
Source: Auvert, Bertran, Taljaard, Dirk, Lagarde, Emmanuel, Sobngwi-Tambekou, Joëlle, Sitta, Rémi, & Puren, Adrian. (n.d.). Randomized, Controlled Intervention Trial of Male Circumcision for Reduction of HIV Infection Risk: The ANRS 1265 Trial. Public Library of Science. Morris, B. J., & Wamai, R. G. (January 01, 2012). Biological basis for the protective effect conferred by male circumcision against HIV infection. International Journal of Std & Aids, 23, 3, 153-9.
Why train with us
Our training programmes

HIV Testing Services (HTS) training

Surgical voluntary medical male circumcision training

General practitioners training

Refresher training

Emergency, basic life support and emergency trolley training

Voluntary medical male circumcision counselling training
Senior trainers
- Dr Josephine Otchere-Darko: Senior Trainer and Clinician
- Lerato Molobetsi
- Grace Nhalpo
- Marcia Mogalo
- Elizabeth Masinya
- Sarah Jones
- Elizabeth Nkomo
For more information on our training programmes, or for bookings for group or individual sessions please contact:
- Adelaide Rech: adelaide@chaps.org.za
- Fikile Mnguni: fikile@chaps.org.za
Fill in this form if you are interested in our training
Quality assurance
Do you need assistance with setting up and maintaining efficient quality assurance practices and protocols?
Quality assurance and continuous quality improvement (CQI) has become an increasingly important requirement in existing and new government, NGO and private sector based VMMC clinics.
CHAPS has developed simplified user-friendly tools, based on the WHO’s external quality assessment tools, the PEPFAR self-assessment and URC’s baseline assessment tools, which enable our team to perform comprehensive assessments at the various sites (private, government and NGO).
With the support of two teams of 10 skilled clinicians within the consortium, CHAPS has successfully assessed and supported 140 VMMC sites (106 consortium sites, 27 DOH sites, 7 Swaziland sites) within the private, public and NGO sectors. CHAPS has performed over 342 site visits (303 consortium visits, 27 at the DOH, 12 in Swaziland) in the past year and they have facilitated the establishment of 17 onsite CQI teams. CHAPS’ QA scorecards average 94%, which is the best average in the South African VMMC programme.