Male Circumcision Should Be Considered Part of Efforts to Curb Spread of HIV, Former Botswana President Mogae Says

Former President of Botswana Festus Mogae said recently that leaders in Africa should consider promoting male circumcision as a method of curbing the spread of HIV, AIM/AllAfrica.com reports. Mogae made the recommendation during a press conference held after a meeting with members of the Mozambique government and leaders of the country's National AIDS Council. The meeting is part of a tour of Southern Africa by Champions for an HIV-Free Generation. Mogae said that African leaders should emphasize that circumcision gives people "greater possibilities" of remaining HIV-negative, adding that it "should be made clear" the procedure does not make people immune to HIV. He also called on governments to speak out against the practice of having multiple sex partners.

Mozambican Health Minister Ivo Garrido said that circumcision is "not the solution for AIDS in Mozambique" but that the government will work to make sure every man who wants to have the procedure can do so safely. According to AIM/AllAfrica.com, there are no figures available on circumcision rates across the country, but the Health Ministry is preparing a study to examine such rates (AIM/AllAfrica.com, 2/10).

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