The History of Circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa: From Ritual to Evidenced Based Care
BAUS ePoster online library. El-taji O. 06/21/21; 319112; p7-4
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Mr. Omar El-taji
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Abstract
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Introduction
In Sub-Saharan Africa, one of the world's least urbanised regions, circumcision practice has evolved throughout time. We aim to evaluate the history in this diverse region, its controversies and the development of non-surgical techniques.
Materials
We reviewed historical articles related to 'Circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa' using appropriate web-searches.
Results
For two millennia, the timing of circumcision varied amongst religion and culture; some tribes performed it at birth as a religious ritual, whilst in others during early-adulthood as a mark of 'manhood'.
The practicing 'surgeon' has evolved from mothers, to mohels, to priests. In accordance, the surgical technique has adapted from its early roots involving a 'knife' incision with bleeding controlled by iodine to the modern-day circumcision pioneered in 1903 by Frederick Treves.
Medical circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa was introduced in the 1990s, but there was little interest due to poor education and its perceived cost. Uptake increased after a 2007 WHO-led report demonstrating a 60% risk-reduction of HIV with circumcised men. In response, strategies were implemented to increase voluntary circumcision such as the 'Rapid Results Initiative'.
Recently, non-surgical techniques including 'Shang Ring Device' are being practiced in developing countries by health professionals. This cost-effective procedure has been performed on 700,000 men in Uganda and is implemented as a HIV prevention strategy.
Conclusion
The role of circumcision as a ritual ceremony remains, however, its medical indications in Sub-Saharan Africa have evolved. Non-surgical circumcision techniques are currently aimed at a specific 'niche'; nonetheless it may have other future significant roles.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, one of the world's least urbanised regions, circumcision practice has evolved throughout time. We aim to evaluate the history in this diverse region, its controversies and the development of non-surgical techniques.
Materials
We reviewed historical articles related to 'Circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa' using appropriate web-searches.
Results
For two millennia, the timing of circumcision varied amongst religion and culture; some tribes performed it at birth as a religious ritual, whilst in others during early-adulthood as a mark of 'manhood'.
The practicing 'surgeon' has evolved from mothers, to mohels, to priests. In accordance, the surgical technique has adapted from its early roots involving a 'knife' incision with bleeding controlled by iodine to the modern-day circumcision pioneered in 1903 by Frederick Treves.
Medical circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa was introduced in the 1990s, but there was little interest due to poor education and its perceived cost. Uptake increased after a 2007 WHO-led report demonstrating a 60% risk-reduction of HIV with circumcised men. In response, strategies were implemented to increase voluntary circumcision such as the 'Rapid Results Initiative'.
Recently, non-surgical techniques including 'Shang Ring Device' are being practiced in developing countries by health professionals. This cost-effective procedure has been performed on 700,000 men in Uganda and is implemented as a HIV prevention strategy.
Conclusion
The role of circumcision as a ritual ceremony remains, however, its medical indications in Sub-Saharan Africa have evolved. Non-surgical circumcision techniques are currently aimed at a specific 'niche'; nonetheless it may have other future significant roles.
Introduction
In Sub-Saharan Africa, one of the world's least urbanised regions, circumcision practice has evolved throughout time. We aim to evaluate the history in this diverse region, its controversies and the development of non-surgical techniques.
Materials
We reviewed historical articles related to 'Circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa' using appropriate web-searches.
Results
For two millennia, the timing of circumcision varied amongst religion and culture; some tribes performed it at birth as a religious ritual, whilst in others during early-adulthood as a mark of 'manhood'.
The practicing 'surgeon' has evolved from mothers, to mohels, to priests. In accordance, the surgical technique has adapted from its early roots involving a 'knife' incision with bleeding controlled by iodine to the modern-day circumcision pioneered in 1903 by Frederick Treves.
Medical circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa was introduced in the 1990s, but there was little interest due to poor education and its perceived cost. Uptake increased after a 2007 WHO-led report demonstrating a 60% risk-reduction of HIV with circumcised men. In response, strategies were implemented to increase voluntary circumcision such as the 'Rapid Results Initiative'.
Recently, non-surgical techniques including 'Shang Ring Device' are being practiced in developing countries by health professionals. This cost-effective procedure has been performed on 700,000 men in Uganda and is implemented as a HIV prevention strategy.
Conclusion
The role of circumcision as a ritual ceremony remains, however, its medical indications in Sub-Saharan Africa have evolved. Non-surgical circumcision techniques are currently aimed at a specific 'niche'; nonetheless it may have other future significant roles.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, one of the world's least urbanised regions, circumcision practice has evolved throughout time. We aim to evaluate the history in this diverse region, its controversies and the development of non-surgical techniques.
Materials
We reviewed historical articles related to 'Circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa' using appropriate web-searches.
Results
For two millennia, the timing of circumcision varied amongst religion and culture; some tribes performed it at birth as a religious ritual, whilst in others during early-adulthood as a mark of 'manhood'.
The practicing 'surgeon' has evolved from mothers, to mohels, to priests. In accordance, the surgical technique has adapted from its early roots involving a 'knife' incision with bleeding controlled by iodine to the modern-day circumcision pioneered in 1903 by Frederick Treves.
Medical circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa was introduced in the 1990s, but there was little interest due to poor education and its perceived cost. Uptake increased after a 2007 WHO-led report demonstrating a 60% risk-reduction of HIV with circumcised men. In response, strategies were implemented to increase voluntary circumcision such as the 'Rapid Results Initiative'.
Recently, non-surgical techniques including 'Shang Ring Device' are being practiced in developing countries by health professionals. This cost-effective procedure has been performed on 700,000 men in Uganda and is implemented as a HIV prevention strategy.
Conclusion
The role of circumcision as a ritual ceremony remains, however, its medical indications in Sub-Saharan Africa have evolved. Non-surgical circumcision techniques are currently aimed at a specific 'niche'; nonetheless it may have other future significant roles.
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