Circumcision does indeed provide protection from HIV, but…

[28 March 2007 - 14h37]

International experts convened by the WHO and UNAIDS have just recommended that circumcision “be regarded as an important additional means of reducing the risk of heterosexual transmission of HIV in men”. A sentence in which each word is important…

Following three controlled tests in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa, circumcision has in fact turned out to have protective qualities when it comes to the HIV virus. The resulting wave of popularity is worrying certain scientists, however, as they are concerned that this news may induce people to relax in terms of other protective measures.

The research conducted in this domain and the experts’ meeting which has just been held in Montreux, Switzerland, underpin this approach. The recommendations which UNAIDS has just made public are quite unambiguous. According to Dr Kevin De Cock (WHO), “countries with high levels of HIV infection caused by heterosexual transmission and a low level of circumcision now have a new measure that can reduce HIV infection in heterosexual men. Broadening access to circumcision in these countries will directly benefit individuals. However, the positive effect of this effort on the epidemic will not emerge for several years”.

The experts also say that “circumcision must form part of a comprehensive set of measures to prevent HIV”. No question, then, of neglecting the key aspects of prevention: advisory and screening services, treatment of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), promotion of prudent sexual practices, supply and promotion of male and female condoms, etc. Catherine Hankins (UNAIDS) also emphasised the need for “men and women considering circumcision to continue using (…) postponement of sexual relations for the first time to a later age, and fewer partners”. The “cultural” connotation of these recommendations is sometimes not easily accepted locally, but they must be underlined very vigorously given the complementary measures that exist, which should not be regarded as alternatives.

Source : WHO, UNAIDS, 28 March 2007

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