3 August 2008
Kampala — ONLY 30% of males aged 15 upwards are circumcised worldwide a joint report by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS estimates. The Rates vary depending on religion and nationality.
Almost all Jewish and Muslim males in the world have circumcised penises, and together, they account for about 70% of all circumcised males globally. The US has the highest proportion of males circumcised for non-religious reasons.
In Uganda, the number of circumcised men is still unknown. Latest figures from the Ministry of Health, show that about 25% of males aged between 15 and 24 - less than 2 million - are circumcised either for religious or non-religious reasons.
A medical research carried out between 2005 and 2007 in Uganda, Kenya and South Africa indicated that circumcision reduced the chances of contracting HIV in men by 60%.
Consequently the WHO and the UN Programme on HIV/AIDS recommended circumcision for adult men, based upon evidence that men with circumcised penises have a lower risk of being infected with HIV.
Dr. Alex Opio, a senior epidemiologist at the health ministry, says the largest number of infections is sex-related. "We're convinced that male circumcision - as an additional strategy, to abstinence, be faithful and condom use (ABC) - will reduce HIV/AIDS prevalence.
The Government is conducting an assessment of medical male circumcision in the districts of Kampala, Kumi, Gulu and Rukungiri to inform policy makers on how to sensitise the public to embrace circumcision.
Research shows circumcision reduced urinary tract infections, inflammation, ulceration of the male organs and penile cancer, including the risk of cervical cancer among women who have sex with circumcised men.
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