U.N. Endorses Male Circumcision

On Wednesday, the United Nations recommended the use of male circumcision to help decrease the spread of the deadly HIV virus.

In a report released from the U.N., the group calls for implementation of policy that would make it easier for men in Africa, and other regions devastated by HIV, to receive circumcisions.

"Being able to recommend an additional HIV prevention method is a significant step towards getting ahead of this epidemic," said Catherine Hankins, Associate Director, Department of Policy, Evidence and Partnerships at UNAIDS.

The report is the product of a joint venture between the World Health Organization and the UNAIDS Secretariat. Both groups are overseen by the United Nations.

According to U.N. press release, "based on the evidence presented, which was considered to be compelling, experts attending the consultation recommended that male circumcision now be recognized as an additional important intervention to reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection in men."

At the end of 2006, an estimated 39.5 million people were living with HIV and 4.3 million became newly infected with the virus that year. Over half of those infected with the HIV virus (25 million) live in sub-Sahara Africa where the disease has grown to epidemic proportions.

The use of male circumcision to help control the spread of the HIV virus is recommended as part of a much broader, continuing effort to help control the disease. In addition to circumcision, today's U.N. report discusses the need for increased HIV testing and counseling services, treatment for sexually transmitted infections, the promotion of safer sex practices, and the provision of male and female condoms and promotion of their correct and consistent use.

The report cites several, previous observational studies conducted by the United States and French health departments that have found that male circumcision can decrease the spread of HIV by up to 60%.

Recent studies on another sexual transmitted disease, human papillomavirus (HPV), also note that male circumcision decreases the risk of passing the infection onto sexual partners.

The practice of circumcision has come under scrutiny during recent decades. Some human right advocate groups argue that the procedure is inhumane. Several research studies have been published citing emotional and psychological distress occurring to men who had undergone circumcision as an infant.

It is estimated that 30% of the male population is currently circumcised. The practice has long been traditional in the Jewish and Muslim religions where it is viewed important for hygiene purposes. Most males are circumcised at birth.

Sources: World Health Organization

Reuters