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

MCHIP is working closely with Ministries of Health, National MC Task Forces and PEPFAR colleagues to rapidly scale up safe and comprehensive MC services for adults, adolescents and neonates in high HIV prevalence settings in Southern and Eastern Africa. Specific country programs include Lesotho, South Africa, Swaziland and Tanzania.