Prevention Male circumcision
Male circumcision can reduce risk of HIV transmission. However, circumcision is definitely not an easy solution. The many difficulties associated with this intervention demand that great care needs to be taken wherever it is promoted. The greatest advantage of circumcision is that it is a one-off procedure, with no ongoing costs or supply issues to worry about. However, there are many reasons why circumcision is far from being the solution to the global HIV epidemic. Circumcision is much less effective than condom use at preventing HIV transmission. If used consistently over the long term, condoms are at least 80% effective, whereas circumcision only prevents around 50% of infections. If people become too confident about the protective effects of circumcision, they may engage in more high-risk sexual behaviour. Men who have been circumcised might stop using condoms, or be keener to visit sex workers. It is important to note that the proven benefit only applies to men.
