Circumcision can combat Aids.

Medical researchers say they now have conclusive evidence that circumcision can halve a man's chance of contracting HIV/Aids. Clinical trials in Uganda and Kenya have confirmed South African research into the protective benefits of having the foreskin removed. The announcement heralds the most significant breakthrough in the fight against HIV/Aids for years.

Notes writer Belinda Beresford in the Mail & Guardian weekly: "The way is open for governments and funders to roll out mass circumcision campaigns and several of the biggest donor organisations to be looking at providing funding."

African countries are yet to adopt mass circumcision as a policy, although several are reported to be discussing the measure. Kenya has created task teams to tackle implementation. Notes Harvard researcher Daniel Halperin, who has advocated the practice for several years: "Test results have shown circumcision to be at least 50% to 60% effective. Considering how many people are dying from this disease, that is a rather powerful result. Circumcision services need to be made available, safe and affordable." Circumcision's protective effect is the result of the removal of the mucosal inner lining of the foreskin, which is vulnerable to HIV infection.