With studies out
showing that circumcision can dramatically reduce a
man's chances of sexually acquired HIV infection,
more and more Africans are opting for the procedure,
The New York Times reports. A 2005 French
study found circumcision reduced HIV infection risk by
about two thirds. A study announced in February of 300
couples in which the husband was HIV-positive and the wife
HIV-negative showed circumcision cuts the odds of
transmitting the virus to the uninfected women by
about 30%
In Zambia,
surgeons began offering the procedure 18 months ago at a
cost of about $3. Approximately 400 patients a month
are requesting circumcisions, about eight times the
capacity of the medical centers offering the
procedure. The Swaziland health ministry is quickly training
as many as 60 doctors to perform the procedure because of
high demand for it among sexually active men in the
country.
Large-scale
studies of the effect of circumcision in lowering HIV risks
are currently under way in Uganda and Kenya. Preliminary
study data is expected to be released in June. The
World Health Organization, which is awaiting the trial
data before adopting an official position on
circumcision, says that even if the studies show the
procedure is effective, it would be just one piece of
HIV prevention efforts, which also include HIV
antibody testing, abstinence, monogamy, and condom use.
Researchers say
that being uncircumcised boosts the chances for HIV
infection because cells that are susceptible to HIV
infection are present at high numbers in the foreskin
of the penis and during intercourse bodily fluids
containing HIV can become trapped under the foreskin and
placed in prolonged contact with these cells. Although
studies haven't focused on whether circumcision
lowers HIV infection risks for gay men who practice
anal sex, some researchers say it is likely the procedure
offers some protection to them as well. (The
Advocate)