Slow dissolving, longer-acting HIV prevention method in the pipeline

ring

A dapivirine vaginal ring to be used in an HIV prevention trial. PHOTO | AFP

Kenya is one of four countries chosen for the rollout of a vaginal film, containing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine. It is designed to dissolve over the course of 30 days acting as a HIV prevention method for women.

The vaginal film is being put to the test for the first time in a study launched last week that aims to determine its practicability and acceptability as a potential HIV prevention method for women.