From trials conducted in Uganda and South Africa it was proved that the risk of HIV infection in circumcised men reduced to 60 percent when compared to uncircumcised men. Though circumcision does not eliminate the risk, it reduces the risk of HIV infection in men. Circumcision also protects against other sexually transmitted diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea.

How does circumcision reduce the risk of being infected? During sexual intercourse, the foreskin, which is a very thin lining, suffers minor abrasions. This makes it easier for the virus (HIV) to enter man’s blood stream. Another explanation is that, the foreskin contains Langerhans cells which cause the AIDS virus to readily get attracted to it.  These are the possible reasons for circumcision being highly beneficial in reducing HIV infection risks. 

WHO and UNAIDS have approved and included male circumcision in their list of arms to fight against AIDS. According to Kevin De Cock, director of HIV/AIDS at the WHO, “The recommendations represent a significant step forward in HIV prevention.”