Evidence from three randomized clinical trials found that MC reduces female-to-male HIV transmission by approximately 60%. MC also reduces acquisition and transmission of a number of reproductive tract infections including human papillomavirus (and cervical cancer in female partners), HSV-2 (genital herpes), trichomoniasis, and bacterial vaginosis—all of which can have serious consequences during pregnancy. Modeling suggests that the rapid scale up of adult and adolescent MC to 80% coverage could avert 4 million new HIV infections by 2025, saving US $20 billion in HIV care and treatment costs.

MCHIP is working closely with Ministries of Health, National MC Task Forces, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) colleagues, and other partners to rapidly scale up safe and comprehensive MC services for adults, adolescents and neonates in high HIV prevalence settings in East and Southern Africa.