Circumspection over circumcision

A vigil in Toronto in memory of Aids victims on the final evening of the 16th International Aids conference. Photograph: Geoff Robins/AFP/Getty Images
The Guardian's health editor, Sarah Boseley, is posting from the 16th international Aids conference for News blog this week. Here is her final report. You can read the other reports here, here, here and here.

It may turn out to be the kindest cut of all, but it's still going to be a tricky business to make circumcision widely and safely available if it proves effective in stopping the spread of Aids.

Those involved in the three current trials are in sombre and restrained mood today. One piece of hyperbole, and they can see thousands of men rushing off to the traditional healer for a bit of impromptu and potentially dangerous surgery.