South Africa to Launch Vaginal Rings in the Battle Against HIV Epidemic

 

South Africa to Launch Vaginal Rings in the Battle Against HIV Epidemic

Three prominent organizations dedicated to the prevention and management of HIV in South Africa, namely the AIDS Foundation of South Africa, Beyond Zero, and Networking HIV & AIDS Community of Southern Africa, have taken a significant step in the fight against HIV. With the generous support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, these organizations have initiated an order for 16,000 Dapivirine Vaginal Rings for HIV prevention.

This development, disclosed by the Global Fund in a press statement released on Friday, represents a crucial advancement in the realm of HIV prevention. The Dapivirine Vaginal Ring, also known as DVR, is a silicone-based ring inserted into the vagina monthly. It offers a long-acting, topical, and localized method of HIV prevention and is the only PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) ring approved by regulatory agencies for this purpose.

The introduction of the PrEP ring in South Africa marks a significant expansion of choices available to women in HIV prevention beyond oral PrEP, which may not always cater to the unique needs of every individual. Some individuals may opt out of using oral PrEP due to adherence challenges or a preference for a more discreet method.

Advocacy groups have long advocated for increased HIV prevention options, such as the PrEP ring, as highlighted in the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto for Women and Girls in Africa published recently. Peter Sands, the Executive Director of the Global Fund, stated, "Increasing HIV prevention options, like the PrEP ring, is a key demand of advocacy groups and a core component of the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto for Women and Girls in Africa published earlier this month. Women's health advocates have long championed the need for a discreet product that women exclusively control. We are convinced that this new PrEP ring can have a revolutionary impact on HIV prevention, and this is why we hope that many more countries will follow South Africa's lead."

In January 2021, the World Health Organization conditionally recommended the DVR as a safe and effective additional prevention choice for women at substantial risk of HIV infection, as part of a combination prevention approach. To date, Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe have approved the DVR, while other African countries have regulatory submissions under review.

Ntombenhle Mkhize, CEO of the AIDS Foundation of South Africa, emphasized the importance of empowering women in their healthcare decisions: "We need to give women more control over their health and bodies. Women need access to a range of safe and effective options to choose from, including the dapivirine ring, so they can decide to use what works best for them, at different times of their lives."

One notable advantage of the PrEP ring is that it offers women a private and self-controlled method of HIV prevention, unlike condoms, which are often controlled by male partners. The ring eliminates the need for daily pill-taking, a challenge for some due to various reasons including HIV-related stigma or family pressures. Additionally, the availability of PrEP rings means women can maintain a supply at home, offering a convenient and user-friendly option.

The Global Fund's investments in South Africa are significant and aim to consolidate the progress made against HIV and tuberculosis. South Africa, with its large HIV epidemic, still faces challenges, including the highest number of new HIV infections globally in 2022. Nevertheless, substantial progress has been made in diagnosis and treatment, with 94 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status in 2022 and 75 percent receiving antiretroviral treatment. New infections and AIDS-related deaths have been declining since the mid-2000s. These efforts underscore the importance of innovative and user-friendly HIV prevention methods like the PrEP ring in the ongoing fight against HIV in South Africa and beyond.