A massive male circumcision campaign is set to begin soon, according to information from the National Aids Control Commission (CNLS).

Expert research has shown that circumcised males are 60 percent less likely to contract HIV through sexual intercourse, compared to the uncircumcised.

The HIV/ AIDS pandemic has had far reaching impact on communities. Everyone has been affected by the pandemic in one way or another. Effective strategies to prevent the spread of the virus have helped to reduce the prevalence rates in Rwanda, but the progress made in combating its spread, should not be reason for complacency.

Circumcision should be embraced alongside other preventative measures. CNLS has clearly sought to integrate it as part of concerted efforts against the pandemic. 

It is important that CNLS has emphasized the fact that this preventative measure is not 100 percent effective in preventing HIV/AIDS.

This is a message that must be passed on by other organizations that are involved in the fight against HIV. Above all, condom use remains an important measure fight against infection.

For all who choose to get circumcised, counselling and information about its implications is of utmost importance. Its limitations should be made clear.

For example experts note that the intervention does not protect women from being infected by HIV positive men who are circumcised.  And resuming sexual intercourse soon after the operation and before healing is counter-productive.

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