Gen: Newborn Circumcision - The Kindest Cut of All?

From: art fougner, md (evsono@pipeline.com)
Wed Feb 28 14:20:58 2007


Editorial in the Lancet:

Volume 369, Issue 9562 , 24 February 2007-2 March 2007, Page 615

The publication of two randomised trials in today's Lancet signals a new era for HIV prevention. The studies, in Uganda and Kenya, show that male circumcision halves the risk of adult males contracting HIV through heterosexual intercourse.

This success is extremely welcome news. The results of these trials, along with the findings of a preliminary South African trial published in 2005, now provide a solid evidence-base to inform health policy. Large-scale implementation of male circumcision has the potential to substantially reduce HIV transmission, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. But, as an accompanying Comment and Viewpoint highlight, this new intervention presents many opportunities but also raises many questions.

One such question is the effect of male circumcision on women. Initially, wide-scale implementation of male circumcision will lower HIV infection in men. But modelling studies suggest that over time women could benefit from an effect similar to the herd immunity seen with mass immunisation. Male circumcision might also directly protect against male-to-female transmission of HIV.

Art

--
art fougner, md
"May The Wings of Liberty Never Lose a Feather." - Jack Burton




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