MBABANE: The International Planned Parenthood Federation(IPPF) has released a statement confirming that, it’s member based in eSwatini, the Family Life Association of Eswatini(FLAS) will be among the first organizations to provide the women controlled HIV prevention product known as the Dapivirine Viginal Ring(DVR).
The ring that is made of flexible silicone is inserted into the vagina by a woman, it then slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period, helping to reduce the woman’s risk of acquiring HIV.
“In 2023, in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 62% of all new HIV infections and every week, 3,100 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years became infected with HIV.Therefore, there continues to be an urgent need for HIV prevention methods that females can use to protect themselves.The DVR is a product women can control themselves and use without the knowledge or consent of their partners, unlike condoms, which men often refuse to use. The DVR is inserted into the vagina and left for a one-month period, where it can then be replaced each month for continued protection. Unlike daily oral PrEP, the DVR does not rely on remembering to take a pill each day and is also discreet as it stays inside the vagina throughout the month.The DVR does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so women choosing to use the ring may want to consider combining it with condoms and methods of contraception.The availability of the DVR is an exciting step in supporting women’s autonomy and choice in HIV prevention. This need for women-controlled HIV prevention products has long been advocated for, with the African Women Prevention Community Accountability Board launching the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto in early 2023. The Choice Manifesto prioritises the principle of choice to ensure that women and girls have the right to choose which HIV prevention methods work for them”, reads the statement in part released on Tuesday.
It has been disclosed that,currently the ring is available at selected facilities through implementation studies across six(6) countries in East and Southern Africa; South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Uganda.
Eswatini is among the countries applauded by the world for successfully implementing programs that seek to prevent new infections and eradicate HIV/AIDS.
HEALTH:FLAS to provide first women controlled HIV prevention product,ring to be inserted inside vagina and slowly release antiretroviral drug for a month(pic:IPPF).