The Role of Female Partners in the uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review

BACKGROUND: Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) is a proven biological strategy for reducing heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS by up to 60%. Following recommendations from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Medical Circumcision (MC) was rolled out in South Africa. Several issues, among them being individual perceptual factors and female partner influence, have constituted as both obstacles and drivers to the uptake of VMMC.

AIM: To explore and synthesize research conducted on the role of female partners in the uptake of VMMC.

METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted in PUBMED, MEDLINE and CIHNAL, studies included in the review are those that explored the importance of female partner involvement in the uptake of VMMC. The review was limited to sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on peer reviewed articles written in English only.

RESULTS: The review has revealed that considering the gender dimensions of circumcision, the possible utilisation of women as vehicles to drive the uptake of MC could be key to achieving the desired uptake.

CONCLUSION: It is postulated that women play a key role in terms of promoting circumcision in order to facilitate a successful scale up of the service. Further research is therefore necessary so that the benefits of female partner involvement in VMMC may be achieved.