The disposable device can eliminate the use of sutures during surgical procedures, thereby turning male circumcision faster and easier for patients.
It comprises of two concentric plastic rings which lock together over the foreskin to minimise bleeding.
The WHO nod indicates that ShangRing meets international safety standards and allows it to be used in sub-Saharan Africa and other regions where there are increased risks for HIV.
Wuhu Snnda Medical Treatment Appliance Technology board chairman Shang Jianzhong, the inventor for the device, said: "This is a major milestone toward improving access to voluntary medical male circumcision, which will help to prevent HIV acquisition in low-resource settings and contribute to the international efforts to achieve an AIDS-free generation."
The device is a first circumcision device to receive WHO approval and can be used for both adults and adolescent boys aged between 13 to 17 years.
Homa Bay District Hospital Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse Jairus Oketch said: "The ShangRing is very simple to use and reduces the time needed to perform male circumcision by about half, compared to conventional procedures.
"Expanded use of the device will enable countries to deliver safe, efficient, high-quality male circumcision to more people and thus reduce the spread of HIV."
Image: World Health Organisation headquarters in Geneva. Photo: courtesy of Yann Forget / Wikipedia.
