Male circumcision may prevent HIV infection
Male circumcision, largely untested as an HIV intervention to date, could soon be a significant means to protect male populations from HIV infection. The Population Council reports that male circumcision is associated with a 50% reduced risk of HIV infection in some populations in Africa. The report maps out additional research needs before something as significant as population-based circumcision could be recommended. Further studies on possible behavioral differences in circumcised and uncircumcised males, cultural attitudes, and even logistic concerns must be considered before any public health initiative is undertaken. As the executive summary notes, “The promotion or institution of a procedure that has profound cultural implications, risks of complications, and benefits that are realized only decades later represents a formidable public health and political challenge.”
Filed under: Epidemiology
[…] The announcement itself is no surprise – several big studies have been published recently that argued as much. The excellent Politics and Policy of HIV/AIDS blog (you need a catchy name guys) saw it coming a while back. […]