The Journalists Association Against AIDS (JournAIDS) has expressed concerns about the delayed approval for the introduction of the new HIV prevention tool, the Dapivirine ring, in the local market.
Dingani Mithi, JournAIDS Programs Manager, raised the concerns on Friday during the Media Science Cafe held at the Kamuzu Central Hospital’s UNC Tidziwe Medical Research Center in Lilongwe.
Mithi pointed out that research shows young women in Sub-Saharan Africa have been severely affected by HIV, something preventable through the use of the vaginal ring.
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“After the results of the Dapivirine Ring came out, the European Medicines Agency and WHO approved its safety for use, but it has not been rolled out due to issues related to cost-benefit analysis, which the Ministry of Health demanded instead of the government,” said Mithi.
Tchangani Tembo, the Clinical Research Investigator, confirmed that the research on the safety and efficiency of the Dapivirine Ring was completed and approved for use in women aged 18 to 45.
He also emphasized the autonomy that women have with the use of the vaginal ring as a preventive method against HIV infection, stating, “One advantage that women have with the vaginal ring is autonomy. They can make the decision to protect themselves against HIV infection without the need to negotiate with their partner.”
The Dapivirine vaginal ring is a silicone ring designed to provide women with a discreet and long-acting option for HIV prevention, as it contains the antiretroviral drug Dapivirine, released slowly to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Despite the World Health Organization’s approval of the ring’s usage earlier in 2021, Malawi is yet to introduce it to the market, while other countries like South Africa and Zimbabwe have already done so.
