HIV Debate: Circumcision for African Men?

Submitted by Matt on Sat, 2012-07-28 18:46

Article here. Excerpt:

'Among those in Washington, D.C., for this week's International AIDS Conference, there's little to no debate about whether the world community should do what it takes to stop the global pandemic. But when it comes to how that goal should be accomplished, even those who care most passionately about the issue can disagree.

Case in point: The issue of voluntary medical male circumcision, known as VMMS. Depending on whom you ask, it's either a lifesaving procedure or "torture" that could have the unintended side effect of discouraging condom use and fueling the spread of the disease.
...
"Over the next five years, enough men can be circumcised through voluntary medical male circumcision to prevent 3.4 million new HIV infections and save billions in care and treatment," said Benjamin Mkapa, former president of Tanzania.

But just outside the convention center, there was a different take. Protesters held banners reading "Circumcision Is Torture" and "Intact Genitals Are a Human Right."

Natalie Erdossy, 29, an activist from Reston, Va., told the Washington Post that circumcision won't end AIDS and that it can lull men into thinking wrongly that they are protected against the virus. She called the studies indicating that VMMS reduces HIV infection "totally flawed."'

Like0 Dislike0

Comments

Is it my imagination, or am I noticing more attention and skepticism of the African circumcision AIDS cure? It seems like I am reading more articles recognizing the bullshit.

But still have a long way to go.....

Like0 Dislike0
Submitted by Kris on Sat, 2012-07-28 19:10

No idea Kris, I see a lot of articles on it lately, but whether more are in support, against or neutral I can't say. I suspect Germany's local judge making circumcision illegal has given a confidence to the voice opposing it.

Like0 Dislike0
Submitted by Kratch on Sun, 2012-07-29 16:23