Research in Papua New Guinea on circumcision as a means of prevention of HIV transmission has brought to light the number of men undergoing unsafe penile modification, often with disastrous consequences.
Professor John McBride of Australia's James Cook University was one of a number of researchers presenting their work to the PNG government and non-governmental organisations in a recent two-day policy forum in Port Moresby.
He says most men are amenable to being circumcised, with almost 60 percent having had either full or partial circumcision, known in PNG as the straight cut.
Professor McBride says all the research groups were concerned about the potential adverse effects of that informal type of circumcision and other forms of penile cutting.
"One of the recommendations to come out of the policy forum was to look at how we can reduce the harm that's associated with informal circumcision and other circumcision practices such as injecting oils and other substances into the shaft of the penis as well as inserting foreign objects under the skin of the penis."
