Kenya’s Health Ministry has revealed about 64% out of approximately 1,377,784 Kenyans living with HIV, are women.
This situation, the Ministry says, demands drastic and concerted efforts aimed at stemming the tides of new infections and reducing the numbers of HIV cases as well as augment already existing efforts initiated by the government.
Until recently, most women were taking daily oral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) tablets to protect themselves from HIV infection. Many women, however, are likely to switch to Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DPV-VR), after Kenya’s ministry of health greenlighted its use.
The Dapivirine Vaginal Ring works by releasing the anti-HIV drug dapivirine over a period of one month.
The dapivirine vaginal ring was endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an additional prevention choice for women at substantial risk of HIV infection in January 2021.
The dapivirine vaginal ring will be rolled out in Kenya in 2025, and women will be able to access it at no cost.
The women involved in the pilot praise the ring’s discreetness and ease of use.
