By IANS,
Durban: Over two million men will be circumcised in South Africa in a bid to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, a report said.
The project will be launched Sunday in KwaZulu-Natal region by King Goodwill Zwelithini, Premier Zweli Mkhize was quoted as saying by BuaNews Friday.
The initiative has received overwhelming support from HIV activists and the medical fraternity, the premier said while presenting the Royal Household Budget.
“The king has used several occasions to clarify the call he made not to suggest that male circumcision is a cure for HIV infection, but it is an additional effort that improves hygiene and may in the long term impact in the reduction of the spread of infection,” Mkhize said.
In 2006, two random trials conducted in South Africa concluded that male circumcision, when performed by well-trained and well-equipped health professionals, can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection among adult men, and thus the number of new infections per year.