Some HIV/AIDS researchers are arguing that funding for condom promotion, HIV testing and vaccine research is hindering prevention efforts in sub-Saharan Africa, saying more money should be funneled into programs that promote circumcision and reduction of sexual partners, BBC News reports (news.bbc.co.uk, 5/9).

According to research published in the British Medical Journal, there is little evidence showing that methods such as HIV testing, condom distribution or treatment of other sexually transmitted infections significantly lower HIV infection rates in Africa.  Researchers say that instead of these measures, encouraging male circumcision and advocating a reduction in the number of a person’s sexual partners should become the “cornerstone” of prevention.

According to the article, in nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa, more than 12 percent of adults are living with HIV.