New device gets WHO nod

A new male circumcision device that does away with sutures, involves minimal bleeding and is disposable has been prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO), The Times of India reports. Known as the ShangRing, it is the first such device to be prequalified by WHO for circumcision of adolescent boys ages 13 to 17 years as well as adult men. WHO has indicated that the device meets international standards of safety, which could increase access to the device in regions where the burden of HIV is highest. The ShangRing was assessed among more than 1,900 healthy adult men in five studies conducted in Kenya, Uganda, and Zambia and among more than 350 adolescent males ages 13 to 17 in Kenya and Uganda (The Times of India, 25 June 2015).