There is compelling evidence that men who are circumcised have lower HIV infection levels compared to men who are not circumcised, based on several recent international studies.

WHO is promoting the circumcision recommendation heavily in Africa, where the rate of heterosexual transmission of the virus is higher than anywhere else in the world.

Male circumcision should be one component of a comprehensive anti-HIV health approach that includes testing, counseling, treatment, providing both male and female condoms, and educating people not only in their use, but also in other safe sex practices, according to the organization.

Care should be taken to communicate to both men and women that male circumcision provides only partial protection, WHO emphasized.