Neonatal circumcision does not reduce HIV/AIDS infection rates

Abstract

Non-therapeutic infant circumcision has become a medicalised ritual mainly in English speaking countries and is unjustly and increasingly advocated as a prevention tool of HIV/AIDS without critical consideration of its practicality, cost and risks. It is of concern that the WHO/UNAIDS is hastily advising mass MC roll-out as a prevention tool of female to male HIV acquisition, without considering risks involved to woman.49 A much broader review process is necessary, involving more objective scientific opinion and representative panel of African experts, including pediatric surgeons before any MC could be written into policy.