U.S. backs male circumcision to combat spread of HIV
“I heartily support this important intervention,” said McGee during a tour of the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council - the first male circumcision training and service delivery pilot site. The project is supported by Population Services International (PSI) and the US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Technical Working Group (TWG) on Male Circumcision Service Delivery and Training.
“Unlike other prevention methods, male circumcision is a one-time procedure that provides lifelong protection. I am sold on this simple lifesaving procedure,” said McGee, who was also accompanied by officials from PSI and USAID. Officials from the ZNFPC, Ministry of Health and Child Welfare and the Iinstitute of Continuing Health Education University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences also attended the tour.
Echoing lessons learned from his previous post in Madagascar, McGee pointed to the prevailing cultural practice of male circumcision at birth as one reason for Madagascar’s very low HIV prevalence rate.
He noted that public-private partnerships are essential in addressing various developmental challenges, including HIV and AIDS.
Congratulating the nurses and doctors undergoing the six-day training McGee said they “are all important pioneers in this emerging activity.”
PSI’s Male Circumcision Project Director, Karen Hatzold, said that during the training the doctors had treated 79 patients and were scheduled to complete 140 circumcisions by the end of the week. She explained that counselling is a big part of the procedure and the nurses recruited will initially focus on this area.
“With time, nurses will also perform the procedure,” said Hatzold.
A recent publication from the Southern Africa HIV and AIDS Information Disemination Service (SAfAIDS) says there is overwhelming scientific evidence of the efficacy of male circumcision for HIV prevention. According to SAFAIDS, over 50 studies have concluded that male circumcision significantly reduces the risk of heterosexual HIV infection. Recent trials confirmed that male circumcision, when done safely, could reduce the risk of men being infected with HIV by 60%.
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