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PrePex - Nonsurgical Male Circumcision Device for HIV Prevention

Published by

Global-Innovation

Global-Innovation Exchange

Project start date: 1/1/2012

PrePex - Nonsurgical Male Circumcision Device for HIV Prevention

PrePex is the world's only non-surgical male circumcision device developed as a means to scale-up UNAIDS' Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision programs as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy in Africa. PrePex is safe, fast, cost-effective, and entails minimal discomfort with good cosmetic results and no need for recovery days. The procedure entails no injected anesthesia, no bleeding, no sutures and can be conducted by minimally trained healthcare providers in non-sterile settings.

Scaling

1 - 6 months

Last update: October 05, 2023

OverviewContributors

Challenge

Male Circumcision (MC) was chosen in 2015 by a group of Nobel Laureates and Economists as one of the 19 best investments in global health – saving millions of lives and billions of dollars in reduced long-term healthcare costs. Research proved that for men, male circumcision is a once in a lifetime procedure with lifelong benefits such as reduced risk for HIV, STI's and penile cancer. Moreover, it showed that there are also benefits for women - improving hygiene, reducing STI's, and reducing the risk of cervical cancer. Men’s health is as much about women’s health when it comes to sexually transmitted diseases. The global campaign is aiming to circumcise 27 Million men, ages 15-49 years old, in 14 priority countries in SSA by the year 2021. With over One Million PrePex procedures delivered to date, PrePex already has the potential to avert approx. 150,000 new HIV infections and the demand for the procedure is rising among men, attracting them to clinics where they can get HIV tested as well. Furthermore, over 30 Million MC procedures take place annually around the world, majority of them are amongst infants & Children. Whether practiced for medical, traditional or religious reasons, PrePex can replace the conventional surgical male circumcision technique, saving lives and preventing surgical complications for infants, children and adults around the world. Its use is revolutionizing MC practices as they are currently known – making the MC procedure safer, faster, more cost-effective and more 'customer friendly' than ever. PrePex has been recognized internationally by global leaders such as Bill Gates and in international media. Between 2012 and 2016, Circ MedTech received the Frost & Sullivan Best Practice Award, Gold Innovation Lions Award at the 2016 Cannes International Festival of Creativity; 2016 Red Herring Best 100 Companies in Asia Award, the 2015 Tech Awards and the GBH Health 2012 Business Action on Health Award.

Description

The PrePex non-surgical device facilitates circumcision by creating controlled radial pressure that stops blood flow to the foreskin. The device and foreskin are removed after 7 days or detach naturally, depending on age group. The patented device is disposable and intended for single use. PrePex is available for ages 0-99 (under CE mark) and holds the relevant regulatory approvals.

SDGs

Good Health and Well-being

Outcomes

PrePex has dramatically increased the rate of male circumcisions in the implemented regions, providing a safer, faster, and more cost-effective alternative. Over one million devices have been delivered across 14 countries, preventing approximately 150,000 new HIV infections. The innovation has received international recognition, including from global leaders such as Bill Gates.