UNAIDS - PEPFAR Southern and Eastern Africa Region Male Circumcision Communication Meeting

Since the results of 2005 and 2007 RCTs demonstrated that male circumcision (MC) reduces the heterosexual transmission of HIV to men by approximately 60%, a number of countries in Eastern and Southern Africa have been working to scale up the delivery of MC services. The experience to date suggests that many adult men are in fact interested in having the procedure for a variety of reasons: HIV prevention (albeit partial), hygiene, appearance, and perception that females prefer circumcised men, among others. Much of the MC scale-up has focused on service delivery (the “supply side”) and techniques to improve efficiency in the clinical context. However, to meet the ambitious targets set by some countries, it is essential to ensure a steady flow of clients into MC facilities.

This meeting will focus primarily on demand creation, with sessions on the related topics of counseling and advocacy. Gender will be addressed throughout the meeting in relation to specific topics. The meeting will bring together designated health professionals with expertise and/or interest in exploring how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the male circumcision scale-up in Eastern and Southern Africa.

The objectives of this meeting are to advance knowledge and share promising experiences and materials relating to communication in the scale-up of adolescent/adult male circumcision in Eastern and Southern Africa.

This is a closed, invitation only meeting. If you have been designated as a participant, registration is available here.

For additional information, please contact Amy Pepin.