Abstract
IntroductionRecent studies have shown that circumcision reduces HIV/AIDS infection rates by 60% among heterosexual African men. Public health officials are arguing that circumcision of men should be a key weapon in the fight of HIV/AIDS in Africa. Experts estimate that more than 3 million lives could be saved in sub-Saharan Africa alone if the procedure becomes widely used. Some communities in Uganda have misconceptions to MMC and resist the practice.MethodsTo roll out MMC to a non-circumcising population of Northern Uganda from June 2011 as a strategy to increase access and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.ResultsCircumcision in a non-circumcising communities of Lango and Acholi sub-regions with a population of about 0.5 million mature males 15-49 years. Enrolment was voluntary, clinical officers, nurses carried out MMC after training in the surgical procedure. Mass sensitization and mobilization was conducted through radios, community leaderships and spouses. Cervical cancer screening was incorporated at circumcision sites and used as incentive for the women. Circumcisions were conducted at static sites, camps and outreach services where VCT and adverse events (AEs) were recorded and managed. All clients assented/or consented.ConclusionA total of 26, 150 males were circumcised in eight months. The AEs rate was 1.2% and was mild. 2,650 women were screened for cervical cancer and positive test rate was 1.7%. Mobilization and sensitization were by radios and spouses’ involvement in cervical cancer screening exercise.
Highlights
Recent studies have shown that circumcision reduces HIV/AIDS infection rates by 60% among heterosexual African men
A total of 26,150 males were circumcised over an eight months period in multiple health centers in Northern Uganda
A total of 2,650 women were screened for cervical cancer and with a positive test rate of 1.7%
Summary
Recent studies have shown that circumcision reduces HIV/AIDS infection rates by 60% among heterosexual African men. Several types of researches have documented that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of HIV acquisition by men during penile-vaginal sex. The higher rates of sexually transmitted genital ulcerative disease, such as syphilis, observed in uncircumcised men may increase susceptibility to HIV infection [4,5-7]. Three randomized controlled clinical trials were conducted in Africa to determine whether circumcision of adult males would reduce their risk for HIV infection [8]. The study conducted in South Africa [9] was stopped in 2005, and those in Kenya [10] and Uganda [11] were stopped in 2006 after interim analyses found a statistically significant reduction in male participants' risk for HIV infection from medical circumcision [8,9-13]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
