Soldiers Urged to Circumcise to Fight HIV in Africa: US

The best way to prevent new HIV infections in the military is male circumcision, said the head of US anti-AIDS efforts to an assembly of top army brass from Africa, Eastern Europe and central Asia.

"We believe male circumcision is a highly significant, lifetime intervention. It is a gift that keeps on giving. It makes a lot of sense to put extraordinary resources into it," US global AIDS coordinator Eric Goosby told the 400 delegates.

Pain Management in Circumcision
Agents used for pain management in surgical removal of the foreskin of penis in neonates are discussed.

The meeting on AIDS and the military gathered officials from 80 countries, including most of Africa but also countries from Surinam to Georgia and Estonia.

Studies show that circumcision can dramatically reduce HIV infections. One study in South Africa last year found new infections fell by 76 percent after a circumcision programme was launched in a township.

In 2006, trials in Kenya, Uganda and South Africa found foreskin removal more than halved men's risk of HIV infection. Longer-term analysis has found the benefit to be even greater than thought, with a risk reduction of around 60 percent.

Circumcision Trials to Prevent HIV � More Hype Than Fact
Circumcision to prevent HIV has been given far more credence than it deserves. Like HIV, in the past circumcision was also advocated for preventing Tuberculosis and cancer.

The United States is sponsoring programmes in several African countries with a goal of circumcising four million men by 2013.

Results so far are patchy. Although Kenya is close to reaching its target of 80 percent of sexually active men, Uganda has achieved less than five percent of its target.

Circumcision Cuts HPV Risk for Both Sexes
Circumcising men reduces the risk of transmitting types of human papilloma virus associated with cervical and anal cancer to women, according to a study published in The Lancet.

"We need the military to take up some of these circumcisions," said Caroline Ryan of the US Global AIDS Coordinator's Office.

One issue she said, is that the surgery requires soldiers to recuperate for two to four days, meaning time off from the army.

Promoting Voluntary Male Circumcision Cost-Effective Way to Prevent HIV in Africa
Male circumcision is receiving increased attention by scientists as it is a viable means of preventing HIV infection.

Another concern, raised by South Africa, was how to marry traditional coming-of-age rites with the need for circumcisions to be carried out under surgical conditions.

"Traditional circumcision is part of the path to manhood. For us it is critical to be given strategies to deal with their concerns," South African Brigadier General Snowy Moremi.

Little data exists on HIV rates among soldiers. Few countries are willing to divulge statistics, fearing they will be perceived as weak.

Source-AFP