Global: Models predict costs and benefits of circumcision programmes

Although circumcision programmes will involve significant initial costs, they will save billions of dollars in the long-term, according to a mathematical model presented to the Sydney International AIDS Society Conference on July 25th. A separate mathematical model also presented to the conference, showed that universal circumcision would have the greatest impact on HIV incidence, but that targeting circumcision at men with the most sexual partners, and those aged between 20 – 30-years would be the most effective way of reducing HIV prevalence.