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

Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2021 Dec;18(6):508-517. doi: 10.1007/s11904-021-00577-8. Epub 2021 Dec 15.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Clinical 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 support DVR scale-up and expand the method mix for HIV prevention.

Recent findings: Intensive 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 understand the cyclical nature of PrEP use. Evidence from oral PrEP introduction and scale-up can help inform and expedite DVR introduction.

Keywords: AGYW; Dapivirine vaginal ring; HIV prevention; PrEP; Pre-exposure prophylaxis; Sub-Saharan Africa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa South of the Sahara / epidemiology
  • Anti-HIV Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Contraceptive Devices, Female*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis*
  • Pyrimidines

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Pyrimidines
  • Dapivirine