Male circumcision could avert millions of HIV infections

In the next 10 years, universal circumcision of men and boys in sub-Saharan Africa could prevent 2 million new cases of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and avert 300,000 deaths. Over the following 10 years, it could prevent 3.7 million additional HIV infections and 2.7 million more deaths.

OPPOSING TRENDS. Male circumcision is common in West Africa but not in southern Africa (top).