Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro appeared to be distressed by the fact that over 1,000 penis amputations occur in the country annually, sharing his concerns with reporters after visiting the Education Ministry and describing this number as “ridiculous and sad”.
"In Brazil, we have 1,000 penis amputations a year due to a lack of water and soap. We have to find a way to get out of the bottom of this hole", the president said.
Many social media users, however, did not seem amused by Bolsonaro’s statement and went on to criticise the president over his priorities.
Some, however, argued that Bolsonaro had broached a very serious issue.
"Talking about public healthcare, breast cancer, is OK. Talking about cervical cancer is OK. Bolsonaro talks about penis cancer which leads to amputation, and becomes a joke. During my brief period of studying medicine in Sao Paulo I saw three [cases of penis cancer]".