Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2006. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Reuters NewMedia - December 21, 2006
The South African Center for Epidemiological Modeling and Analysis (SACEMA) said new studies showing circumcision reduced the risk of HIV transmission by up to 60 percent indicated it was time to study how to implement a circumcision program.
"South Africa stands to benefit more than any other country from male circumcision by virtue of the very high current HIV prevalence and the relatively low rate of circumcision in the country," SACEMA said in a statement.
"Over the next 20 years male circumcision in South Africa could avert 1,400,000 new cases of HIV and 800,000 HIV deaths."
South Africa has one of the world's largest HIV/AIDS caseloads with 5.5 million of its 45 million people infected, and studies have warned the country's epidemic continues to spread at a rapid rate, particularly among the young.
Researchers this month concluded after two large clinical trials in Kenya and Uganda that circumcision was a valuable tool in the fight against HIV/AIDS, echoing results from an earlier study in South Africa.
Experts say the reduced HIV risk may be because cells on the inside of the foreskin, the part of the penis cut off in circumcision, are particularly susceptible to HIV infection.
Researchers have cautioned that circumcision is not a panacea, reducing the chances of infection by at most 60 percent, and that existing programs to encourage condom use and reduction in numbers of sexual partners must continue.
South Africa's Health Ministry has reacted cautiously to the two studies, saying it needs time to review their conclusions.
"Prevention of infections remains the mainstay of our national response to HIV and AIDS. The broad range of prevention measures including the correct and consistent use of condoms, continues to be implemented to reverse the tide of HIV and AIDS," the ministry said in a statement.
SACEMA, which was involved in the first South African study on circumcision, said it was time to consider ramping up a national circumcision campaign.
"SACEMA is keen to assist wherever possible to support operational research to investigate the feasibility, acceptability and safety of large-scale male circumcision in South Africa," the group said.
061221
RE061246
Copyright © 2006 - Reuters, Ltd. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Contact Reuters.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2006. 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, 2006. 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. .