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At a summit on AIDS and the military
attended by army officers from 80 countries in Africa, Eastern Europe, and
central Asia, US officials said male circumcision is the best way to prevent
new HIV infections among troops.
“We believe male circumcision is a
highly significant, lifetime intervention,” US Global AIDS Coordinator Eric
Goosby told the 400 delegates gathered in Maputo, Mozambique. “It is a gift
that keeps on giving. It makes a lot of sense to put extraordinary resources
into it.”
It is not known how many soldiers
worldwide are living with HIV, as few countries are willing to share such
statistics for fear of being perceived as weak.
Studies indicate circumcision can
significantly reduce HIV transmission. In 2006, trials in Uganda, Kenya, and
South Africa showed the practice more than halved men’s risk of infection.
Long-term analysis determined a risk reduction of about 60 percent. Last year
in South Africa, one study found new infections declined by 76 percent following
the launch of a local circumcision program.
As a result, the United States is
supporting circumcision efforts in several African countries, with the goal of
reaching 4 million men by 2013. While Kenya’s program has almost attained its
goal of circumcising 80 percent of sexually active men, Uganda’s effort is
faltering with less than 5 percent of targeted men undergoing the procedure.
“We need the military to take up some of these circumcisions,” said Caroline
Ryan, who works in Goosby’s office.
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
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