July 09, 2007
Three randomized trials in Africa (Uganda, Kenya, South Africa) evaluated the effect of male circumcision on HIV infection rates. In Uganda, 4,996 uncircumcised men aged 15-49 years, living in a rural area, were randomized to circumcision vs. no circumcision (control) and followed for 24 months. The trial was stopped early after interim analysis found that circumcision was associated with an estimated 50% relative risk reduction in acquiring HIV.