Earlier this year, the Lancet reported that circumsized males carry a lower risk of contracting HIV through sexual intercourse. In the African continent, where most men are uncircumsized, and any scientific evidence that points toward curbing the outbreak of AIDS is helpful, this scientific breakthrough is most welcome.
In Zambia, radio correspondent Kennedy Gondwe made a public announcement that he was undergoing the circumcision procedure on the air, and received mixed responses. Gondwe stressed the relative ease of the procedure and noted he was up and driving back home in no time. Some listeners responded that Gondwe's testimonial angered them, while others felt confident they could now undergo this somewhat-taboo procedure. Gondwe also makes it known that he gets tested for HIV several times a year. It is great to read about someone using their access to the public to help educate others on this important issue.
I applaud Gondwe for his actions and for his attempt to scale back the fears and questions about circumcision. I just hope that when African men begin to line up at the doctor for this procedure, that the sex safe practices are preached and reiterated again. Several health agencies in the UN advocate circumcision in light of the the Lancet report, but also "the procedure offers only partial protection and that abstinence, condom use, having few partners and delaying the first sexual experience are all among the steps that need to be encouraged."
I do hope that the main tenets of safe sex are stressed in Africa, where the struggle with the Aids is all too well known. I hope that the news of circumcision curbing transmission of HIV does not present a sort of "get out of jail free" card for African men.
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