Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Current MC prevalence is not known for all countries globally. Our aim was to provide estimates for country-specific and global MC prevalence. Where no data were available, the population proportion whose religious faith or culture requires MC was used. The total number of circumcised males in each country and territory was calculated using figures for total males from i US Central Intelligence Agency CIA data for sex ratio and total population in all countries and territories globally and ii United Nations UN figures for males aged 15β64 years.
The estimated percentage of circumcised males in each country and territory varies considerably. Based on i and ii above, global MC prevalence was Approximately half of circumcisions were for religious and cultural reasons. For countries lacking data we assumed If actual prevalence in religious groups was lower, then MC prevalence in those countries would be lower.
On the other hand, we assumed a minimum prevalence of 0. This may be too low, thereby underestimating MC prevalence in some countries. The present study provides the most accurate estimate to date of MC prevalence in each country and territory in the world.
Considering the health benefits of MC, these data may help guide efforts aimed at the use of voluntary, safe medical MC in disease prevention programs in various countries. The online version of this article doi Keywords: Male circumcision, Global prevalence, Country-specific prevalence, Population health.
The circumcision of males is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world. It may also be one of the oldest, likely predating recorded human history [ 1 ]. While religious and cultural considerations are a major reason behind the practice, a growing volume of research attests to the significant medical and public health benefits of male circumcision MC [ 2 β 5 ].
