Her's a great opportunity for gov't intervention. Enjoy the read
Uganda: Circumcision Curbs HIV Infection Rate
New Vision (Kampala)
December 14, 2006
Posted to the web December 15, 2006
Circumcision reduces the risk of contracting the AIDS virus by about half, two new studies have revealed.
APF yesterday reported that the researches, one carried out in Uganda and another in Kenya, could have significant implications in the HIV fight.
The studies began in September 2005 and were scheduled to last through mid-2007 but were stopped this week due to the significance of the findings.
In Uganda, 4,996 men took part in the study that showed that HIV acquisition was reduced by 48% in circumcised men.
The trial in Kenya involved 2,784 HIV-negative men and showed a 53% reduction of HIV acquisition in those who were circumcised as opposed to those who were not.
International agencies that fund anti-HIV/AIDS activities have, however, cautioned the public against practising unsafe sex warning that circumcision is not an absolute protection.
The agencies are UNAIDS, the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Children's Fund, the United Nations Population Fund and the World Bank.
In a joint statement on Thursday, the agencies said, "Circumcised men can still become infected with the virus and if HIV-positive, can infect their sexual partners."
The studies, conducted by the national Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in USA, confirmed the findings of a similar French-funded study conducted in South Africa.
