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 (credits: Wikipedia)
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