Male Circumcision Reduces the Risk of HIV By Half

Male circumcision can cut the risk of HIV by half. The study findings are thought to be so significant that the research trials in Kenya and Uganda have been stopped early and the uncircumcised men offered the operation. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) who funded the research say that
'medically performed circumcision significantly reduces a man's risk of acquiring HIV through heterosexual intercourse'.

7780 men took part from the two countries. In Kenya the risk of HIV was reduced by 53 per cent, in Uganda, by 48 per cent. The results have major implications for HIV/AIDS prevention, but still indicate that condoms remain the main defence against acquiring HIV, as does changing male sexual behavior.

The World Health Organization (WHO) have welcomed the findings but note that policy implications will need to consider a number of things. Among them are the cultural and human rights considerations associated with promoting circumcision and the complications and risks attached to performing circumcisions in 'various settings'. WHO also point out that research in ideal and well resourced conditions may not be replicated in other 'service delivery settings'. There is also the worry that circumcision will be seen to offer an unrealistic degree of protection against HIV/AIDS and undermine prevention messages already being promoted.

Related Information

Signs & Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
How Does Circumcision Help Prevent HIV Transmission?
Male Circumcision