Challenges and Opportunities for the Involvement of Traditional Practitioners in Scaling up Safe Male Circumcision in the Context of HIV Prevention in Tanzania Report submitted to the World Health Organization

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to acknowledge the assistance of Dr. We are very thankful to Monduli, Bahi and Mkuranga district administrative and health authorities for their assistance. The participation of community members and health workers from Monduli, Bahi and Mkuranga districts are highly appreciated. Background: Male circumcision (MC), one of the oldest surgical procedures, has been practiced worldwide from time immemorial. To-date, the procedure is been undertaken for various reasons including religious, cultural, social and medical. Recent studies from Africa have indicated that male circumcision is highly protective of HIV. Incorporating male circumcision in HIV/AIDS prevention programme will increase its demand in Tanzania where the health care system is facing acute shortage of skilled health workers and working tools. Thus, traditional male circumcision could be viewed as best alternative but complementary approach for scaling up safe circumcision.