Doctors urge mass circumcision for AIDS-hit South Africa

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2007

DURBAN, South Afrifa (AFP) — AIDS experts have called for a mass circumcision programme in South Africa, condemning a "deafening silence" from policy makers since studies revealed it sharply cut infection rates.

As scientists this week questioned a lack of movement on using male circumcision as a preventative method, delegates at South Africa's national AIDS conference called for the rollout of a mass circumcision programme.

Earlier this year the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended the procedure after three studies in Africa showed it reduced chances of contracting HIV by up to 60 percent.

But although countries such as Kenya, Malawi, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Tanzania have drawn up plans for widespread circumcision, the South African...