Key Topics

As programmes implement voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) services, various issues have come to the fore. New devices for performing male circumcision are being assessed in studies and pilot projects in many of the priority countries; the World Health Organization has established a process for clinical evaluation of the devices and recommendations for phased introduction of those that prove safe, effective, and feasible. Many countries have adopted ways to share tasks among VMMC providers with different levels of experience, to ensure that the services are delivered efficiently and to make them more accessible despite shortages of clinicians and other providers. And in a number of countries, policy makers and programme managers are working with community leaders to improve the safety of traditional circumcision and achieve some level of integration between traditional and medical circumcision.

Other important topics, such as male circumcision and women, integration of VMMC in HIV prevention strategies, and male circumcision for HIV-positive men, are addressed from the perspective of an advocate on the Advocacy pages.