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Rennie S, Gilbertson A, Hallfors D, Luseno WK. Ethics of pursuing targets in public health: the case of voluntary medical male circumcision for HIV-prevention programs in Kenya. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2020; 47:medethics-2020-106293. [PMID: 33148776 PMCID: PMC8144939 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2020-106293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The use of targets to direct public health programmes, particularly in global initiatives, has become widely accepted and commonplace. This paper is an ethical analysis of the utilisation of targets in global public health using our fieldwork on and experiences with voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) initiatives in Kenya. Among the many countries involved in VMMC for HIV prevention, Kenya is considered a success story, its programmes having medically circumcised nearly 2 million men since 2007. We describe ethically problematic practices in Kenyan VMMC programmes revealed by our fieldwork, how the problems are related to the pursuit of targets and discuss possible approaches to their management. Although the establishment and pursuit of targets in public health can have many benefits, assessments of target-driven programmes tend to focus on quantifiable outcomes rather than the processes by which the outcomes are obtained. However, in order to speak more robustly about programmatic 'success', and to maintain community trust, it is vital to ethically evaluate how a public health initiative is actually implemented in the pursuit of its targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Rennie
- UNC Center for Bioethics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adam Gilbertson
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Denise Hallfors
- Retired, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Winnie K Luseno
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Chapel Hill Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Gilbertson A, Ongili B, Odongo FS, Hallfors DD, Rennie S, Kwaro D, Luseno WK. Voluntary medical male circumcision for HIV prevention among adolescents in Kenya: Unintended consequences of pursuing service-delivery targets. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0224548. [PMID: 31682626 PMCID: PMC6827911 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) provides significant reductions in the risk of female-to-male HIV transmission. Since 2007, VMMC has been a key component of the United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief’s (PEPFAR) strategy to mitigate the HIV epidemic in countries with high HIV prevalence and low circumcision rates. To ensure intended effects, PEPFAR sets ambitious annual circumcision targets and provides funding to implementation partners to deliver local VMMC services. In Kenya to date, 1.9 million males have been circumcised; in 2017, 60% of circumcisions were among 10-14-year-olds. We conducted a qualitative field study to learn more about VMMC program implementation in Kenya. Methods and results The study setting was a region in Kenya with high HIV prevalence and low male circumcision rates. From March 2017 through April 2018, we carried out in-depth interviews with 29 VMMC stakeholders, including “mobilizers”, HIV counselors, clinical providers, schoolteachers, and policy professionals. Additionally, we undertook observation sessions at 14 VMMC clinics while services were provided and observed mobilization activities at 13 community venues including, two schools, four public marketplaces, two fishing villages, and five inland villages. Analysis of interview transcripts and observation field notes revealed multiple unintended consequences linked to the pursuit of targets. Ebbs and flows in the availability of school-age youths together with the drive to meet targets may result in increased burdens on clinics, long waits for care, potentially misleading mobilization practices, and deviations from the standard of care. Conclusion Our findings indicate shortcomings in the quality of procedures in VMMC programs in a low-resource setting, and more importantly, that the pursuit of ambitious public health targets may lead to compromised service delivery and protocol adherence. There is a need to develop improved or alternative systems to balance the goal of increasing service uptake with the responsible conduct of VMMC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Gilbertson
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- UNC Center for Bioethics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | | | - Denise D. Hallfors
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Stuart Rennie
- UNC Center for Bioethics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Social Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel Kwaro
- Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Winnie K. Luseno
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
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Morris BJ, Moreton S, Krieger JN. Critical evaluation of arguments opposing male circumcision: A systematic review. J Evid Based Med 2019; 12:263-290. [PMID: 31496128 PMCID: PMC6899915 DOI: 10.1111/jebm.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate evidence against male circumcision (MC). METHODS We searched PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. RESULTS Database searches retrieved 297 publications for inclusion. Bibliographies of these yielded 101 more. After evaluation we found: Claims that MC carries high risk were contradicted by low frequency of adverse events that were virtually all minor and easily treated with complete resolution. Claims that MC causes psychological harm were contradicted by studies finding no such harm. Claims that MC impairs sexual function and pleasure were contradicted by high-quality studies finding no adverse effect. Claims disputing the medical benefits of MC were contradicted by a large body of high-quality evidence indicating protection against a wide range of infections, dermatological conditions, and genital cancers in males and the female sexual partners of men. Risk-benefit analyses reported that benefits exceed risks by 100-200 to 1. To maximize benefits and minimize risks, the evidence supported early infant MC rather than arguments that the procedure should be delayed until males are old enough to decide for themselves. Claims that MC of minors is unethical were contradicted by balanced evaluations of ethical issues supporting the rights of children to be provided with low-risk, high-benefit interventions such as MC for better health. Expert evaluations of case-law supported the legality of MC of minors. Other data demonstrated that early infant MC is cost-saving to health systems. CONCLUSIONS Arguments opposing MC are supported mostly by low-quality evidence and opinion, and are contradicted by strong scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Morris
- School of Medical SciencesUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | | | - John N Krieger
- Department of UrologyUniversity of Washington School of MedicineSeattleWashington
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Abstract
The study analysed the HIV/AIDS situation in Zambia six years after the onset of mass campaigns of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC). The analysis was based on data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 2001, 2007 and 2013. Results show that HIV prevalence among men aged 15-29 (the target group for VMMC) did not decrease over the period, despite a decline in HIV prevalence among women of the same age group (most of their partners). Correlations between male circumcision and HIV prevalence were positive for a variety of socioeconomic groups (urban residence, province of residence, level of education, ethnicity). In a multivariate analysis, based on the 2013 DHS survey, circumcised men were found to have the same level of infection as uncircumcised men, after controlling for age, sexual behaviour and socioeconomic status. Lastly, circumcised men tended to have somewhat riskier sexual behaviour than uncircumcised men. This study, based on large representative samples of the Zambian population, questions the current strategy of mass circumcision campaigns in southern and eastern Africa.
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Circumcision Status and Time to Sexual Debut Among Youth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Six Demographic and Health Surveys. AIDS Behav 2016; 20:2514-2528. [PMID: 26350790 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1141-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines the relationship between circumcision status and timing of sexual debut among unmarried youth in Sub-Saharan Africa using Demographic and Health Surveys. Results from survival analysis indicate that the association between circumcision and timing of first sex is place and context specific. Compared to uncircumcised, circumcised men in Rwanda, Uganda and Namibia hasten sexual initiation, whilst circumcised youth in Ethiopia and Mali delayed sex initiation. In Togo however, we found parity in timing to sexual debut. Our multivariate results reveal that, knowledge of HIV/AIDS risk and educational level also feed into the association between circumcision and timing of sex initiation- implying that efforts to prevent new HIV infection through circumcision could benefit from a proper understanding of how diverse set of factors interact in specific contexts to shape youth's decisions to initiate early sex.
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Howard-Payne L, Bowman B. Citizenship in a time of HIV: Understanding medical adult male circumcision in South Africa. J Health Psychol 2016; 23:871-881. [PMID: 27297633 DOI: 10.1177/1359105316651709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical adult male circumcision has been shown to offer men significant protection against HIV infection during peno-vaginal sex. This has resulted in calls for a national roll-out of medical adult male circumcision in South Africa, a rights-based constitutional democracy. This article explores the ways that the potential tensions between this call to circumcise as a practice of good health citizenship and the guaranteed right to bodily integrity are negotiated in interviews with 30 urban-based men in Johannesburg. The results suggest that despite its demonstrable biological efficacy, these tensions may paralyse decision- and policy-makers in grappling with the potential scaling up of medical adult male circumcision for HIV prevention in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brett Bowman
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Svoboda JS, Adler PW, Van Howe RS. Circumcision Is Unethical and Unlawful. THE JOURNAL OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS : A JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF LAW, MEDICINE & ETHICS 2016; 44:263-282. [PMID: 27338602 DOI: 10.1177/1073110516654120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The foreskin is a complex structure that protects and moisturizes the head of the penis, and, being the most densely innervated and sensitive portion of the penis, is essential to providing the complete sexual response. Circumcision-the removal of this structure-is non-therapeutic, painful, irreversible surgery that also risks serious physical injury, psychological sequelae, and death. Men rarely volunteer for it, and increasingly circumcised men are expressing their resentment about it.Circumcision is usually performed for religious, cultural and personal reasons. Early claims about its medical benefits have been proven false. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control have made many scientifically untenable claims promoting circumcision that run counter to the consensus of Western medical organizations.Circumcision violates the cardinal principles of medical ethics, to respect autonomy (self-determination), to do good, to do no harm, and to be just. Without a clear medical indication, circumcision must be deferred until the child can provide his own fully informed consent.In 2012, a German court held that circumcision constitutes criminal assault. Under existing United States law and international human rights declarations as well, circumcision already violates boys› absolute rights to equal protection, bodily integrity, autonomy, and freedom to choose their own religion. A physician has a legal duty to protect children from unnecessary interventions. Physicians who obtain parental permission through spurious claims or omissions, or rely on the American Academy of Pediatrics' position, also risk liability for misleading parents about circumcision.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Steven Svoboda
- J. Steven Svoboda, M.S., J.D., is Executive Director of Attorneys for the Rights of the Child, graduated with honors from Harvard Law School and has a B.S. (Physics and English, summa cum laude) from the University of California at Los Angeles and a Master's Degree in Physics from the University of California at Berkeley. He presented to the United Nations on male circumcision as a human rights violation. He has published numerous articles regarding male circumcision in publications such as the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, the American Journal of Bioethics, the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, and, most recently, the Journal of Medical Ethics. Peter W. Adler, J.D., M.A., is Legal Advisor to Attorney For the Rights of the Child. He holds a B.A. degree in Philosophy from Dartmouth College (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), an M.A. degree with Honours in Philosophy from Cambridge University, and a J.D. degree from University of Virginia School of Law, where he was an editor of the Virginia Law Review and the Virginia Journal of International Law. Robert S. Van Howe, M.D., M.S., is Professor and Interim Chairman of Pediatrics at Central Michigan University College of Medicine. His research interests include primary care issues, evidence-based medicine, and the efficacy of teaching bioethics to medical students. He has been an invited presenter to the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Circumcision and to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is currently working on a book on the ethics of genital alteration
| | - Peter W Adler
- J. Steven Svoboda, M.S., J.D., is Executive Director of Attorneys for the Rights of the Child, graduated with honors from Harvard Law School and has a B.S. (Physics and English, summa cum laude) from the University of California at Los Angeles and a Master's Degree in Physics from the University of California at Berkeley. He presented to the United Nations on male circumcision as a human rights violation. He has published numerous articles regarding male circumcision in publications such as the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, the American Journal of Bioethics, the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, and, most recently, the Journal of Medical Ethics. Peter W. Adler, J.D., M.A., is Legal Advisor to Attorney For the Rights of the Child. He holds a B.A. degree in Philosophy from Dartmouth College (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), an M.A. degree with Honours in Philosophy from Cambridge University, and a J.D. degree from University of Virginia School of Law, where he was an editor of the Virginia Law Review and the Virginia Journal of International Law. Robert S. Van Howe, M.D., M.S., is Professor and Interim Chairman of Pediatrics at Central Michigan University College of Medicine. His research interests include primary care issues, evidence-based medicine, and the efficacy of teaching bioethics to medical students. He has been an invited presenter to the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Circumcision and to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is currently working on a book on the ethics of genital alteration
| | - Robert S Van Howe
- J. Steven Svoboda, M.S., J.D., is Executive Director of Attorneys for the Rights of the Child, graduated with honors from Harvard Law School and has a B.S. (Physics and English, summa cum laude) from the University of California at Los Angeles and a Master's Degree in Physics from the University of California at Berkeley. He presented to the United Nations on male circumcision as a human rights violation. He has published numerous articles regarding male circumcision in publications such as the Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics, the American Journal of Bioethics, the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, and, most recently, the Journal of Medical Ethics. Peter W. Adler, J.D., M.A., is Legal Advisor to Attorney For the Rights of the Child. He holds a B.A. degree in Philosophy from Dartmouth College (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa), an M.A. degree with Honours in Philosophy from Cambridge University, and a J.D. degree from University of Virginia School of Law, where he was an editor of the Virginia Law Review and the Virginia Journal of International Law. Robert S. Van Howe, M.D., M.S., is Professor and Interim Chairman of Pediatrics at Central Michigan University College of Medicine. His research interests include primary care issues, evidence-based medicine, and the efficacy of teaching bioethics to medical students. He has been an invited presenter to the American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Circumcision and to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is currently working on a book on the ethics of genital alteration
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Morris BJ, Barboza G, Wamai RG, Krieger JN. Circumcision is a primary preventive against HIV infection: Critique of a contrary meta-regression analysis by Van Howe. Glob Public Health 2016; 13:1889-1899. [PMID: 27043484 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2016.1164737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A meta-analysis by Van Howe of 109 populations confirms the well-known association of male circumcision (MC) with reduced HIV prevalence. He then performed meta-regression adjusting for location, risk and MC prevalence. When one or two of these adjustments in combination were applied MC appeared protective, but when all three were introduced the association remained significant in high-risk populations, but not in general populations within Africa with a hypothetical MC prevalence of <25% or elsewhere with hypothetical MC prevalence of <75%. However, many MC prevalence values given differed from those reported in references cited (including all US studies). This and other problems invalidate his adjustments for MC prevalence, undermining most of his meta-regression results. Meta-regression is a highly sophisticated statistical tool and is prone to error if not applied correctly. The study contained a high risk of bias arising from confounding. We also question his use of crude, rather than adjusted, odds ratios and his inclusion of unpublished data, so precluding replication by others. Flawed statistics, opaque presentation of results and inclusion of previously repudiated arguments downplaying a role for MC in HIV prevention programmes should lead readers to be sceptical of the findings and conclusions of Van Howe's study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Morris
- a School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute , University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Gia Barboza
- b Department of African-American Studies , Northeastern University , Boston , MA , USA.,c School of Criminology and Criminal Justice , Northeastern University , Boston , MA , USA
| | - Richard G Wamai
- b Department of African-American Studies , Northeastern University , Boston , MA , USA
| | - John N Krieger
- d University of Washington School of Medicine and VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Section of Urology , Seattle , WA , USA
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Van Howe RS. Circumcision as a primary HIV preventive: extrapolating from the available data. Glob Public Health 2015; 10:607-25. [PMID: 25760456 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2015.1016446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Billions of dollars to circumcise millions of African males as an HIV infection prevention have been sought, yet the effectiveness of circumcision has not been demonstrated. Data from 109 populations comparing HIV prevalence and incidence in men based on circumcision status were evaluated using meta-regression. The impact on the association between circumcision and HIV incidence/prevalence of the HIV risk profile of the population, the circumcision rates within the population and whether the population was in Africa were assessed. No significant difference in the risk of HIV infection based on the circumcision status was seen in general populations. Studies of high-risk populations and populations with a higher prevalence of male circumcision reported significantly greater odds ratios (odds of intact man having HIV) (p < .0001). When adjusted for the impact of a high-risk population and the circumcision rate of the population, the baseline odds ratio was 0.78 (95% CI = 0.56-1.09). No consistent association between presence of HIV infection and circumcision status of adult males in general populations was found. When adjusted for other factors, having a foreskin was not a significant risk factor. This undermines the justification for using circumcision as a primary preventive for HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S Van Howe
- a College of Medicine, Central Michigan University , Saginaw , MI , USA
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Martínez Pérez G, Triviño Durán L, Gasch A, Desmond N. Towards a gender perspective in qualitative research on voluntary medical male circumcision in east and southern Africa. Glob Public Health 2015; 10:626-38. [PMID: 25727455 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2015.1014826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization endorsed voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) in 2007 as an effective method to provide partial protection against heterosexual female-to-male transmission of HIV in regions with high rates of such transmission, and where uptake of VMMC is low. Qualitative research conducted in east and southern Africa has focused on assessing acceptability, barriers to uptake of VMMC and the likelihood of VMMC increasing men's adoption of risky sexual behaviours. Less researched, however, have been the perceptions of women and sexual minorities towards VMMC, even though they are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS transmission than are heterosexual men. The purpose of this paper is to identify core areas in which a gendered perspective in qualitative research might improve the understanding and framing of VMMC in east and southern Africa. Issues explored in this analysis are risk compensation, the post-circumcision appearance of the penis, inclusion of men who have sex with men as study respondents and the antagonistic relation between VMMC and female genital cutting. If biomedical and social science researchers explore these issues in future qualitative inquiry utilising a gendered perspective, a more thorough understanding of VMMC can be achieved, which could ultimately inform policy and implementation.
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Wamai RG, Morris BJ, Bailey RC, Klausner JD, Boedicker MN. Male circumcision for protection against HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa: the evidence in favour justifies the implementation now in progress. Glob Public Health 2015; 10:639-66. [PMID: 25613581 PMCID: PMC6352987 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2014.989532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
This article responds to a recent 'controversy study' in Global Public Health by de Camargo et al. directed at three randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of male circumcision (MC) for HIV prevention. These trials were conducted in three countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and published in 2005 and 2007. The RCTs confirmed observational data that had accumulated over the preceding two decades showing that MC reduces by 60% the risk of HIV infection in heterosexual men. Based on the RCT results, MC was adopted by global and national HIV policy-makers as an additional intervention for HIV prevention. Voluntary medical MC (VMMC) is now being implemented in 14 SSA countries. Thus referring to MC for HIV prevention as 'debate' and viewing MC through a lens of controversy seems mistaken. In their criticism, de Camargo et al. misrepresent and misinterpret current science supporting MC for HIV prevention, omit previous denunciations of arguments similar to theirs, and ignore evidence from ongoing scientific research. Here we point out the flaws in three areas de Camargo et al. find contentious. In doing so, we direct readers to growing evidence of MC as an efficacious, safe, acceptable, relatively low-cost one-off biomedical intervention for HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard G. Wamai
- Department of African-American Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Brian J. Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robert C. Bailey
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Klausner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, California, USA
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Evaluating social outcomes of HIV/AIDS interventions: a critical assessment of contemporary indicator frameworks. J Int AIDS Soc 2014; 17:19073. [PMID: 25160645 PMCID: PMC4145087 DOI: 10.7448/ias.17.1.19073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Contemporary HIV-related theory and policy emphasize the importance of addressing the social drivers of HIV risk and vulnerability for a long-term response. Consequently, increasing attention is being given to social and structural interventions, and to social outcomes of HIV interventions. Appropriate indicators for social outcomes are needed in order to institutionalize the commitment to addressing social outcomes. This paper critically assesses the current state of social indicators within international HIV/AIDS monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Methods We analyzed the indicator frameworks of six international organizations involved in efforts to improve and synchronize the monitoring and evaluation of the HIV/AIDS response. Our analysis classifies the 328 unique indicators according to what they measure and assesses the degree to which they offer comprehensive measurement across three dimensions: domains of the social context, levels of change and organizational capacity. Results and discussion The majority of indicators focus on individual-level (clinical and behavioural) interventions and outcomes, neglecting structural interventions, community interventions and social outcomes (e.g. stigma reduction; community capacity building; policy-maker sensitization). The main tool used to address social aspects of HIV/AIDS is the disaggregation of data by social group. This raises three main limitations. Indicator frameworks do not provide comprehensive coverage of the diverse social drivers of the epidemic, particularly neglecting criminalization, stigma, discrimination and gender norms. There is a dearth of indicators for evaluating the social impacts of HIV interventions. Indicators of organizational capacity focus on capacity to effectively deliver and manage clinical services, neglecting capacity to respond appropriately and sustainably to complex social contexts. Conclusions Current indicator frameworks cannot adequately assess the social outcomes of HIV interventions. This limits knowledge about social drivers and inhibits the institutionalization of social approaches within the HIV/AIDS response. We conclude that indicator frameworks should expand to offer a more comprehensive range of social indicators for monitoring and evaluation and to include indicators of organizational capacity to tackle social drivers. While such expansion poses challenges for standardization and coordination, we argue that the complexity of interventions producing social outcomes necessitates capacity for flexibility and local tailoring in monitoring and evaluation.
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de Camargo KR, de Oliveira Mendonça AL, Perrey C, Giami A. Male circumcision and HIV: a controversy study on facts and values. Glob Public Health 2013; 8:769-83. [PMID: 23937108 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2013.817599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
We present a controversy study on the association between male circumcision (MC) and HIV. Our general goal is to shed light on the issue, unravelling and comparing different conceptions of scientific evidence and their respective world views. We seek to reconstruct, based on an analysis of the literature on the topic, key moments in the history of the controversy about the association between MC and HIV prevention, analysing more closely three recent randomised studies, given their relevance to the argumentative strategy employed by those who defend circumcision as a prevention method. Following this, we present a synthesis of the main arguments against the three referred studies. In conclusion, it seems that reasonable arguments for a more cautious approach are not being adequately considered.
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Svoboda JS, Van Howe RS. Out of step: fatal flaws in the latest AAP policy report on neonatal circumcision. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ETHICS 2013; 39:434-441. [PMID: 23508208 DOI: 10.1136/medethics-2013-101346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released a policy statement and technical report on circumcision, in both of which the organisation suggests that the health benefits conferred by the surgical removal of the foreskin in infancy definitively outweigh the risks and complications associated with the procedure. While these new documents do not positively recommend neonatal circumcision, they do paradoxically conclude that its purported benefits 'justify access to this procedure for families who choose it,' claiming that whenever and for whatever reason it is performed, it should be covered by government health insurance. The policy statement and technical report suffer from several troubling deficiencies, ultimately undermining their credibility. These deficiencies include the exclusion of important topics and discussions, an incomplete and apparently partisan excursion through the medical literature, improper analysis of the available information, poorly documented and often inaccurate presentation of relevant findings, and conclusions that are not supported by the evidence given.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Steven Svoboda
- Attorneys for the Rights of the Child, 2961 Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707, USA.
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Sexually transmitted infections and male circumcision: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ISRN UROLOGY 2013; 2013:109846. [PMID: 23710368 PMCID: PMC3654279 DOI: 10.1155/2013/109846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The claim that circumcision reduces the risk of sexually transmitted infections has been repeated so frequently that many believe it is true. A systematic review and meta-analyses were performed on studies of genital discharge syndrome versus genital ulcerative disease, genital discharge syndrome, nonspecific urethritis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital ulcerative disease, chancroid, syphilis, herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus, and contracting a sexually transmitted infection of any type. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, genital herpes, and human papillomavirus are not significantly impacted by circumcision. Syphilis showed mixed results with studies of prevalence suggesting intact men were at great risk and studies of incidence suggesting the opposite. Intact men appear to be of greater risk for genital ulcerative disease while at lower risk for genital discharge syndrome, nonspecific urethritis, genital warts, and the overall risk of any sexually transmitted infection. In studies of general populations, there is no clear or consistent positive impact of circumcision on the risk of individual sexually transmitted infections. Consequently, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections cannot rationally be interpreted as a benefit of circumcision, and any policy of circumcision for the general population to prevent sexually transmitted infections is not supported by the evidence in the medical literature.
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Morris BJ, Bailey RC, Klausner JD, Leibowitz A, Wamai RG, Waskett JH, Banerjee J, Halperin DT, Zoloth L, Weiss HA, Hankins CA. Review: a critical evaluation of arguments opposing male circumcision for HIV prevention in developed countries. AIDS Care 2012; 24:1565-75. [PMID: 22452415 PMCID: PMC3663581 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2012.661836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A potential impediment to evidence-based policy development on medical male circumcision (MC) for HIV prevention in all countries worldwide is the uncritical acceptance by some of arguments used by opponents of this procedure. Here we evaluate recent opinion-pieces of 13 individuals opposed to MC. We find that these statements misrepresent good studies, selectively cite references, some containing fallacious information, and draw erroneous conclusions. In marked contrast, the scientific evidence shows MC to be a simple, low-risk procedure with very little or no adverse long-term effect on sexual function, sensitivity, sensation during arousal or overall satisfaction. Unscientific arguments have been recently used to drive ballot measures aimed at banning MC of minors in the USA, eliminate insurance coverage for medical MC for low-income families, and threaten large fines and incarceration for health care providers. Medical MC is a preventative health measure akin to immunisation, given its protective effect against HIV infection, genital cancers and various other conditions. Protection afforded by neonatal MC against a diversity of common medical conditions starts in infancy with urinary tract infections and extends throughout life. Besides protection in adulthood against acquiring HIV, MC also reduces morbidity and mortality from multiple other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and genital cancers in men and their female sexual partners. It is estimated that over their lifetime one-third of uncircumcised males will suffer at least one foreskin-related medical condition. The scientific evidence indicates that medical MC is safe and effective. Its favourable risk/benefit ratio and cost/benefit support the advantages of medical MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Morris
- School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Darby R, Van Howe R. Not a surgical vaccine: there is no case for boosting infant male circumcision to combat heterosexual transmission of HIV in Australia. Aust N Z J Public Health 2011; 35:459-65. [PMID: 21973253 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2011.00761.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a critical review of recent proposals that widespread circumcision of male infants be introduced in Australia as a means of combating heterosexually transmitted HIV infection. APPROACH These arguments are evaluated in terms of their logic, coherence and fidelity to the principles of evidence-based medicine; the extent to which they take account of the evidence for circumcision having a protective effect against HIV and the practicality of circumcision as an HIV control strategy; the extent of its applicability to the specifics of Australia's HIV epidemic; the benefits, harms and risks of circumcision; and the associated human rights, bioethical and legal issues. CONCLUSION Our conclusion is that such proposals ignore doubts about the robustness of the evidence from the African random-controlled trials as to the protective effect of circumcision and the practical value of circumcision as a means of HIV control; misrepresent the nature of Australia's HIV epidemic and exaggerate the relevance of the African random-controlled trials findings to it; underestimate the risks and harm of circumcision; and ignore questions of medical ethics and human rights. The notion of circumcision as a 'surgical vaccine' is criticised as polemical and unscientific. IMPLICATIONS Circumcision of infants or other minors has no place among HIV control measures in the Australian and New Zealand context; proposals such as these should be rejected.
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Abstract
This paper raises the question of how knowledge creation is organized in the area of HIV prevention and how this concatenation of expertise, resources, at-risk people and viruses shapes the knowledge used to impede the epidemic. It also seeks to trouble the discourses of biomedical pre-eminence in the field of HIV prevention by examining the claim for treatment as prevention, looking at evidence constructed through the biomedical frame and through the lens of the sociology of science. These questions lie within a larger socio-historical context of lagging worldwide attention and funding to prevention in the HIV area and, in particular, neglect of populations at greatest risk. Much contemporary HIV prevention research relies on a population science divided over an epistemic fault line from the communities and individuals who must make sense of the intrusion of a life-threatening disease into their pursuit of pleasure and intimacy. There are, nevertheless, lessons to be learned from prevention success stories among sex workers, injection drug users, and gay and bisexual men. The success stories point to a need for a robust social science agenda that examines: the ways that people are socially organized and networked; the popular strategies and folk wisdoms developed in the face of HIV risk; socio-historical movement of sexual and drug cultures; the dynamics of popular mobilization to advance health; the institutional sources of HIV discourses; and popular understandings of HIV technologies and messages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry D Adam
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
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Selemogo M. Program evaluation as an important practical implication of Van Howe and Storm's paper. J Public Health Afr 2011; 2:e32. [PMID: 28299073 PMCID: PMC5345505 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2011.e32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2011] [Accepted: 06/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mpho Selemogo
- Public Health Medicine trainee, School of Medicine, University of Botswana
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Morris BJ, Waskett JH, Gray RH, Halperin DT, Wamai R, Auvert B, Klausner JD. Exposé of misleading claims that male circumcision will increase HIV infections in Africa. J Public Health Afr 2011; 2:e28. [PMID: 28299069 PMCID: PMC5345501 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2011.e28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/06/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite over two decades of extensive research showing that male circumcision protects against heterosexual acquisition of HIV in men, and that includes findings from large randomized controlled trials leading to acceptance by the WHO/UNAIDS and the Cochrane Committee, opponents of circumcision continue to generate specious arguments to the contrary. In a recent issue of the Journal of Public Health in Africa, Van Howe and Storms claim that male circumcision will increase HIV infections in Africa. Here we review the statements they use in support of their thesis and show that there is no scientific basis to such an assertion. We also evaluate the statistics used and show that when these data are properly analyzed the results lead to a contrary conclusion affirming the major role of male circumcision in protecting against HIV infection in Africa. Researchers, policy makers and the wider community should rely on balanced scholarship when assessing scientific evidence. We trust that our assessment may help refute the claims by Van Howe and Storms, and provide reassurance on the importance of circumcision for HIV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J. Morris
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jake H. Waskett
- Circumcision Independent Reference and Commentary Service, Radcliffe, Manchester, UK
| | - Ronald H. Gray
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Daniel T. Halperin
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Wamai
- Department of African-American Studies, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey D. Klausner
- Divisions of AIDS & Infectious Diseases, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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