"The goal is to circumcise 20 million African men by 2015..."

[Iterate]

58. I've worked with some of the people doing the research and implimenting this program.

Hi Josh. Good to see you.

I'm not a researcher, but I did have a support role with the HIV and malaria research and prevention. Much of it is aided by and coordinated with institutions in the EU.

When I first heard of the possible HIV/circumcision connection I admit I was both skeptical and hopeful, but after seeing the results and program development over the past six years, I'm convinced. These are good, talented people trying to do the right thing.

I looked to post some research paper links from them but got a bit overwhelmed -- 161 on PubMed just for Rwanda. Instead I'll just pick one piece from the popular press, covering just one aspect:

RWANDA: "The invisible condom" and other male circumcision myths

Urgent need for an effective communication strategy

Health workers say it is important that the public understands how circumcision protects men from sexually transmitted infections, and that they also know the procedure is not a guarantee of protection.

"There are many different reasons that people get circumcised ... medical, cultural, religious ... it has to be accompanied by counselling," Rwego said. "We have to develop the right message for the population."

The Rwandan government is embarking on a Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey to ascertain the levels of awareness and information about male circumcision.

"Some people can think that male circumcision is a full protection, like an invisible condom, so with the KAP study we will know what to tell the people and what message to develop," Rwego said. "After that we have to develop guidelines, train staff and buy equipment."

http://d69791.info-gate-now.com/go?article_group_id=2664068&article_id=11056916&article_pos=3

Circumcision is just one part of a comprehensive program in Rwanda, and a cost-effective one at that. People who come up with marginal, American-centric arguments against it just don't realize what the African medical community is up against, nor do they seem to acknowledge that these are very bright and thoughtful people using the best research available, but with limited resources otherwise.