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Male circumcision for HIV prevention has the potential to be a highly effective strategy, and should be used alongside other proven prevention options. The WHO/UNAIDS recommendation is that "male circumcision should always be considered as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package, which includes the provision of HIV testing and counselling services; treatment for sexually transmitted infections; the promotion of safer sex practices; and the provision of male and female condoms and promotion of their correct and consistent use."
To achieve this goal, there is a need for advocacy on many levels. Civil society groups, community leaders, policy-makers, programme managers, HIV-positive women, youth advocates and many other constituencies need to understand the issues and opportunities related to male circumcision. All of these groups-and many more-need to have a voice as countries and communities shape and introduce male circumcision programmes. This section of the Clearinghouse contains key documents that review the basics of male circumcision in user-friendly language, as well as summaries of the current thinking on critical issues. Additional tools and examples of community views on male circumcision will be added regularly.
 In It to Save Lives: Scaling Up Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention for Maximum Public Health Impact. Produced by AIDSTAR-One, a PEPFAR-funded USAID project, this 16-minute film tells the story of how governments in Kenya and Swaziland have embraced voluntary medical male circumcision for HIV prevention. A complementary video discussion guide, resource packet, and DVD download/request form are also available.
 Medical Male Circumcision as HIV Prevention, Follow the Evidence: The Case for Aggressive Scaleup (2010, PDF, 576 KB). The Center for Global Health Policy released an issue brief discussing discussing the case for scaling up male circumcision in countries with high HIV prevalence and low rates of male circumcision, with a predominantly heterosexual epidemic.
 A New Way to Protect Against HIV? Understanding the Results of Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention (2007, PDF, 268 KB). This brochure is designed to help prevention advocates understand the ramifications of findings from studies of male circumcision for HIV prevention, and to explore the opportunities and challenges associated with implementation. It is part of AVAC's "Anticipating and Understanding Results" series, which provides timely analysis of trials of AIDS vaccines and other new prevention technologies. For other publications in this series, visit the AVAC Web site.
Resources
AIDSTAR-One HIV Prevention Knowledge Base Topic on VMMC
Bermejo, Alvaro, et al., "Male Circumcision: To Cut or Not to Cut." Paper presented at the XVII International AIDS Conference, Mexico City, Mexico, August 7, 2008. (2008, PDF, 137 KB)
Fact Sheet: Male Circumcision. Women Won't Wait Campaign (July 2008). (2008, PDF, 109 KB)
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