Male circumcision for HIV prevention

There is compelling evidence that male circumcision reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men by approximately 60%. Three randomized controlled trials have shown that male circumcision provided by well trained health professionals in properly equipped settings is safe. WHO/UNAIDS recommendations emphasize that male circumcision should be considered an efficacious intervention for HIV prevention in countries and regions with heterosexual epidemics, high HIV and low male circumcision prevalence. Male circumcision provides only partial protection, and therefore should be only one element of a comprehensive HIV prevention package which includes:

• the provision of HIV testing and counseling services;
• treatment for sexually transmitted infections;
• the promotion of safer sex practices;
• the provision of male and female condoms and promotion of their correct and consistent use.

WHO is leading UN Agencies (UNAIDS, UNICEF and UNFPA) to set norms and standards, develop policy and programme guidance for safe male circumcision services and support countries to develop male circumcision policies and strategies within the context of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy.