An engaged consultant is already at work on implementing the scope of tasks that will eventually lead to consultations on the analysis of the current strategy and its findings. Globally, it’s known that circumcising 80% of HIV-negative sexually active men could reduce new infections by 60%, highlighting the cost-effective nature of safe male circumcision. The Monitor learned the information underscores the relevance of VMMC. The procedure is also offered to HIV-positive men for medical reasons, as research suggests it reduces genital ulcer disease amongst them. Nevertheless, VMMC demand creation has remained a challenge in Botswana since the programme’s inception in 2009, targeting HIV-negative men aged 0–49 years.
A significant proportion of those circumcised were schoolgoing children aged 10 and above. However, adverse events in this group led to their exclusion, prompting a shift in focus to the 15–29 age group, following guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS). Additionally, Botswana has taken up an early infant circumcision (EIMC) initiative that targets babies within the first 60 days of life.
