SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

The Luo Council of Elders said the Ministry of Health plan not only violates the community's beliefs, but could lead some Luo members to incorrectly view circumcision as a possible alternative to condoms, the BBC reported Saturday.

The council said community members who want to go forward with the medical procedures can do so.

Being circumcised can significantly reduce the risk of men contracting HIV/AIDS or spreading the disease to women, researchers have found.

The BBC said experts have said the Luo community has a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, in part, because of its cultural beliefs, which include wife inheritance. Wife inheritance is a practice in which a widow is remarried by a brother-in-law or another man chosen by village elders.

Community leaders have said any attempts to contain the spread of the potentially deadly disease would be welcome, but are against including circumcision.

 BREAKING STORIES

New British economy chief faces operation

Rice: U.S. not trying to poach Kazakhstan

Ethiopia frees eight Kenyans

Group: Vietnam should release Catholics

Qurei: Palestinians want Jerusalem in deal

Yushchenko puts off Parliament decision

London protesters targeting child poverty

Iraqi officials approve new elections bill

Television News Briefs

Obama seen as aloof, mesmerizing

Group: China censoring Internet activities

Bloomberg Wants to Change Law, Seek 3rd Term As New York Mayor

Cop in Taser Death Commits Suicide

Canada won't deport students for absences

IRS asked to investigate Islamic DVD

Pension fund ends bid for Daewoo

Food labeling law has lots of exemptions

Canada opposes Alaska refuge oil drilling

Bloomberg Gets Backing for 3rd Term

Report: Everglades restoraton slowed