Straight men urged to circumcise to reduce risk of HIV

HETEROSEXUAL men should undergo circumcision because of “compelling” evidence that it can reduce their chances of contracting HIV by up to 60%, according to UN health agencies.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNAIDS experts in Geneva said, however, men must be aware that circumcision is only partial protection against the virus and must be used with other measures.

Dr Catherine Hankins, scientific adviser at UNAIDS said: “We must be clear — male circumcision does not provide complete protection against HIV.”

Men and women must continue to use other forms of protection, such as male and female condoms, abstinence, delaying the start of sexual activity and reducing the number of sexual partners, she said.