How the circumcision solution in Africa will increase HIV infections


Submitted: 25 October 2010
Accepted: 14 December 2010
Published: 11 February 2011
Abstract Views: 16569
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Authors

The World Health Organization and UNAIDS have supported circumcision as a preventive for HIV infections in regions with high rates of heterosexually transmitted HIV; however, the circumcision solution has several fundamental flaws that undermine its potential for success. This article explores, in detail, the data on which this recommendation is based, the difficulty in translating results from high risk adults in a research setting to the general public, the impact of risk compensation, and how circumcision compares to existing alternatives. Based on our analysis it is concluded that the circumcision solution is a wasteful distraction that takes resources away from more effective, less expensive, less invasive alternatives. By diverting attention away from more effective interventions, circumcision programs will likely increase the number of HIV infections.

Robert S. Van Howe, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Clinical Professor

Department of Pediatrics and Human Development

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Michelle R. Storms, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Assistant Professor

Department of Family Medicine

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Supporting Agencies

None

Van Howe, R. S., & Storms, M. R. (2011). How the circumcision solution in Africa will increase HIV infections. Journal of Public Health in Africa, 2(1), e4. https://doi.org/10.4081/jphia.2011.e4

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