Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
 |
New Vision (Kampala) - November 19, 2008
Anthony Bugembe
The general director of health services, Dr. Sam Zaramba, said: "Assessment of the capacity of health units to implement the policy has been conducted."
Zaramba called upon the public to embrace circumcision to reduce HIV infections.
"The policy implementation will be part of the abstinence, be faithful and condom use strategy for HIV prevention. It will not be a stand-alone strategy," he added.
Zaramba was reacting to an article in the media, which said male circumcision had no benefits in the prevention of HIV infection.
The article also criticised the Rakai Health Sciences Programme for the improper communication of the research results.
The Health Sciences Programme was one of the research groups that conducted a clinical trial, which showed that circumcision reduced the risk of HIV by 60%. The trial was conducted between 2005 and 2007.
Medical male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV transmission from women to men. The foreskin of the penis is prone to small tears, which provide a route for the virus.
"The thickening of the penis skin after the removal of the foreskin provides relative barrier to HIV infection," Zaramba noted.
081119
NV081115
Copyright © 2008 - The New Vision. All articles are republished on AEGIS by permission. Material may not be redistributed, posted to any other location, published or used for broadcast without written authorization from Managing Director/Editor-in-chief, The New Vision, P.O. Box 9815, Kampala - Uganda, Tel/fax: 256-41-235221, E-mail: wpike@newvision.co.ug.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation UK, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2008. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2008. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .