Call to Include Circumcision in AIDS Fight

Scientists are calling for the speedy inclusion of male circumcision in the comprehensive HIV prevention package. This despite questions raised about human rights and the confusing message it might send to people.

Studies have shown that male circumcision reduces the risk of contracting HIV in heterosexual men by more than 50 percent if done correctly. Work is being done on the policy to include circumcision in the HIV National Strategic Plan (NSP), but there are ethical issues around it.

Mark Heywood, deputy chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council, says that, “Though the Children’s Act says no child under 16 years should be circumcised without a medical or religious reason, we feel that it should be done because it is in the best interest of the child.”

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