Introducing the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring in Sub-Saharan Africa: What Can We Learn from Oral PrEP?

AbstractPurpose of reviewClinical trials have found that the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) is safe to use and effective at reducing women ’s risk of acquiring HIV infection. As countries prepare for the introduction of this novel long-acting, woman-controlled prevention method, an examination of key learnings from oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery will help programs leverage successful innovations and approaches to suppo rt DVR scale-up and expand the method mix for HIV prevention.Recent findingsIntensive efforts over the past 5  years have yielded lessons on how to facilitate access to oral PrEP; expand service delivery for PrEP; address the knowledge, attitudes, and skills providers need to support PrEP initiation and effective use; develop messaging that builds community and partner support and combats stigma; and under stand the cyclical nature of PrEP use.SummaryEvidence from oral PrEP introduction and scale-up can help inform and expedite DVR introduction.
Source: Current HIV/AIDS Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research