Prevention Methods:
Male Circumcision
Male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection
Male circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by approximately 60%. WHO and UNAIDS recommendations emphasize that male circumcision should be considered an efficacious intervention for HIV prevention in regions with heterosexual epidemics.
What is male circumcision?
Circumcision is a surgical procedure during which all or part of the foreskin is removed by making a cut around the head of the penis. The procedure is often performed to a newborn baby, but it can be done on males of any age.
Male circumcision procedure photo
Efficiency of male circumcision as HIV transmission prevention method
Male circumcision provides only partial protection. Circumcision should not be viewed as a substitute for safer sex methods. A complex approach should include other methods as well:
- HIV testing and counseling services.
- Treatment for sexually transmitted infections / diseases (STI, STD).
- Information campaign about safer sex practices.
- The provision of male and female condoms (femidoms) and promotion of their correct and regular use.
Resources, news
- Circumcision Info Server
- WHO information on male circumcision
- Male circumcision and HIV (Public health weblog)
- UNAIDS info