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.
Issued by:
Department of Health
Contact:
Charity Bhengu
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 083 679 7424
For more information:
Call Dr Nomonde Xundu
Head of HIV and AIDS, STIs and TB
(012) 312 0000