By Ochieng' Ogodo
Health | Science - Education
afrol News /
SciDev.Net
29 March 2007 - The World Health Organisation and UNAIDS now recommend that male circumcision be added to approved interventions to reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men.
The recommendation follows an international consultation
held earlier this month (6-8 March) at which experts agreed that the evidence
from research into circumcision was compelling.
Three trials, carried out in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa, were stopped early
because they showed such large reductions in new HIV infections — by 48-60
percent.
However the organisations warn that countries should consider male circumcision
as part of a wider HIV prevention package, including HIV testing and counselling
services to prevent men developing a false sense of security.
And since the circumcision procedure itself carries a significant risk of HIV
transmission if carried out under unsafe conditions, countries should train
healthcare workers and provide certification to ensure that procedures are safe
and hygienic.
"The recommendations represent a significant step forward in HIV prevention,"
said Kevin De Cock, director of HIV/AIDS at the World Health Organization.
"Countries with high rates of heterosexual HIV infection and low rates of male
circumcision now have an additional intervention which can reduce the risk of
HIV infection in heterosexual men."
But he added that it will be a number of years before we can expect to see an
impact on the epidemic from such investment.
Kenya's director of Medical Services, James Nyikal, cautiously welcomed the
recommendation.
"Although male circumcision considerably reduces the risk of HIV/AIDS
transmission, there is a high risk of circumcised men becoming complacent and
engaging in risky sexual behaviour," he said.
Alloys Orago, director of the National Aids Control Council in Kenya remained
sceptical about the results of the research studies.
But he added, "If it is true, then Kenya will have to come up with a policy on
male circumcision and develop strategies on how it can be incorporated into the
many packages used in HIV infection prevention."
"Having a single partner still remains key to prevention of HIV infections.
There are three other strands to this; abstain, be faithful to the uninfected
partner or use a condom if unsure," he told SciDev.Net.
http://www.afrol.com/articles/24916
