Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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New Vision (Kampala) - December 15, 2006
Circumcision only reduces the chances of infection. This caution comes in the wake of two major trials conducted in Kenya and Uganda, which have shown that male circumcision reduces the risk of contracting the AIDs virus by about a half.
The scientists involved in the study warn that there are major questions still unanswered and a lot of work still to be done. Since circumcision is not an absolute protection there is need to remain cautious and to practise safe sex. The 2,784 men in the Kenyan trial and the 4,996 men in Uganda were not reckless in their sexual practices.
Uganda has in the past managed to reduce the rates of HIV infection from a high of 40% in some centres to 5%, by promoting the ABC (Abstain, Be faithful or use a Condom) strategy.
Just like President Museveni recently advised, the Ministry of Health should not abandon the strategy. Now that the circumcision news is out men might rush to unqualified practitioners and we may end up losing the gains so far made.
The ministry and other stakeholders should immediately release messages to sensitise the public on the relationship between male circumcision and HIV/AIDS.
At this initial stage, circumcision should only be prompted as a secondary measure in the fight against AIDS and even then, the health centres should first be facilitated with equipment and personnel to conduct the operations in hygienic conditions.
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