The retrovirus Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has already negatively affected a lot of human lives. Although still incurable, HIV and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) can be prevented. The World Health Organization (WHO) names a comprehensive HIV prevention package, which includes:

• male circumcision
  
• the provision of HIV testing and counselling services;
• treatment for sexually transmitted infections;
• the promotion of safer sex practices; and
• the provision of male and female condoms and promotion of their correct and consistent use.

Scaling up male circumcision in such countries will result in immediate benefit to individuals. However, it will be a number of years before we can expect to see an impact on the epidemic from such investment.