World Health Organization
In July 2012, the WHO (World Health Organization) published a study[1] (just in time for the just then started Circumcision Debate in Germany) which recommended to perform circumcisions as a prevention against HIV/AIDS. This study supposedly promises a 60% protection against AIDS.
Circumcision proponents use this study[2] for justifying even circumcisions on male toddlers and infants in Germany, Europe and Northern America. But the study only referred to Africa (Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa) and only to adults.
In fact, the study is scientifically vulnerable and has since been sharply criticized by experts.
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See also
 | |
| Chief Circumcision Expert: | |
|---|---|
| David R. Tomlinson | |
| Related Organizations: | |
| UNAIDS |
The World Health Organization endorses male circumcision as an HIV prevention method based on the three RCTs in Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda.[3]
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On their website, they acknowledge that, even if the latest "studies" were correct,
"[m]ale circumcision provides only partial protection," and that it should be part of a "comprehensive HIV prevention package" that includes HIV testing and counseling services, treatment for STD infections, the promotion of safer sex practices and the provision of condoms and the promotion of their correct and consistent use.
Note: Even if the recent trials were accurate (and their credibility is highly questionable), circumcision could only reduce the relative risk of acquiring HIV between circumcised and uncircumcised men by 60% over a period of about one year. Condoms have an absolute reduction risk of acquiring HIV that's over 95% (closer to 100% when used properly), making circumcision a moot point.
Chief Expert on Circumcision
David R. Tomlinson is the inventor of the AccuCirc device.[4] He also just so happens to be the "chief expert on circumcision" at the World Health Organization.[5]
Initiatives Since 2006
The Department of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR), together with the WHO Department of HIV/AIDS and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), launched a number of new initiatives in 2006–2007.[6]
Circumcision Manual
In partnership with other WHO departments, UNAIDS, and the Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO), the Department of Reproductive Health and Research (RHR) has developed a Manual for male infant circumcision under local anaesthesia.[7][6] The manual is intended for use by clinical officers, who can be trained to perform uncomplicated circumcision, and to refer more complex cases. The manual is expected to be published in 2011. The manual itself is supported by training guides and a certification framework, to facilitate the upgrading of skills of officers who are not otherwise authorized to perform surgery.
Assesment Toolkit
RHR is also supporting the development of a toolkit that will allow countries to assess their preparedness for introducing or expanding male circumcision services. RHR contributed to a number of other documents dealing with various aspects of male circumcision, including a review of global trends and determinants of prevalence, safety and acceptability, and a guide to enhancing the quality of male circumcision services.
See Also
- David R. Tomlinson -- AccuCirc Inventor. "Chief circumcision expert" at the W.H.O.
- AccuCirc -- Circumcision device, invented by the "chief circumcision expert" at the W.H.O.
- UNAIDS -- Related to the W.H.O.
CircWatch
References
References