circumcision significantly reduces risk of HIV transmission
14 December 2006
The Department of Health has noted the announcement by the National
Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National
Institutes of Health (NIH), of the early end to two clinical trials of adult
male circumcision.
According to NIAID and NIH the trials were stopped because an interim review
of trial data had revealed that medically performed circumcision significantly
reduces a man's risk of acquiring HIV through heterosexual intercourse.
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/news/QA/AMC12_QA.htm.
We would like to first have the opportunity to study the findings of this
review of the clinical trials, which were conducted in Kenya and Uganda, before
making any substantial comment on the implications it would have on our
comprehensive response to HIV and AIDS.
In the absence of a cure for HIV and AIDS, prevention of infections remains
the mainstay of our national response to HIV and AIDS. The broad range of
prevention measures including the correct and consistent use of condoms
continues to be implemented to reverse the tide of HIV and AIDS.
Enquiries:
Charity Bhengu
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 083 679 7424
For more information:
Call Dr Nomonde Xundu
Head of HIV and AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and Tuberculosis
(TB)
Tel: (012) 312 0000
Issued by: Department of Health
14 December 2006
