South Africa joins WHO’s recommendation for Dapivirine Vaginal Rings in HIV Prevention

In a big step to fight HIV, South Africa plans to use Dapivirine Vaginal Rings (DVR) to prevent the disease. This important effort comes from a partnership between three organisations in South Africa dedicated to HIV prevention and response: the AIDS Foundation of South Africa, Beyond Zero, and Networking HIV & AIDS Community of Southern Africa. They have received support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, which has ordered 16,000 Dapivirine Vaginal Rings to help with this initiative.

The DVR is a unique way to prevent HIV. It’s a silicone ring that women put in their vagina every month. It gives them protection against HIV in that area for a long time. It’s important to know that this is the only ring approved by regulators for preventing HIV.

The PrEP ring is a new choice for women in South Africa to help prevent HIV. It’s different from the pill, which doesn’t work well for everyone. Some people have trouble taking pills every day, and some want a more private way to protect themselves.

The Global Fund highlighted the importance of increasing HIV prevention options, citing the PrEP ring as a key demand articulated in the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto for Women and Girls in Africa, released earlier this month. Women’s health advocates have long advocated for discreet and self-controlled prevention methods.

Peter Sands, the Executive Director of the Global Fund, expressed confidence in the potential revolutionary impact of the PrEP ring on HIV prevention. He remarked, “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 move.”

In January 2021, the World Health Organisation (WHO) conditionally recommended the use of the DVR as a safe and effective additional prevention choice for women at substantial risk of HIV infection. South Africa joins a growing list of African countries, including Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, in approving the DVR for use. Additionally, other African nations are currently reviewing regulatory submissions.

Ntombenhle Mkhize, the CEO of the AIDS Foundation of South Africa, emphasised the importance of empowering women to make choices regarding their health and bodies. She asserted, “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.”

The PrEP ring offers women a level of privacy and autonomy that traditional HIV prevention methods, such as condom use, may not provide. Unlike daily pill regimens, the ring eliminates the need for women to carry pills, which can pose privacy challenges. Moreover, it does not require daily administration, a factor that some individuals find difficult to manage.

Dr. Thato Chidarikire, the Acting Chief Director for HIV/AIDS at the National Department of Health in South Africa, highlighted the potential advantages of the PrEP ring, particularly for those who face stigma or adherence challenges. He noted, “PrEP injections are also becoming available, but these must be done at a clinic every other month, whereas women can get a supply of rings, then use them at home.”

South Africa faces one of the world’s most significant HIV epidemics, according to CSIS, with nearly eight million people living with HIV. Although the country has made considerable progress in diagnosing and treating HIV, with 94% of people knowing their status in 2022 and 75% receiving antiretroviral treatment, new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths remain a concern.

The Global Fund has been instrumental in supporting South Africa’s efforts to address these challenges and continues to invest significantly in bending the curve of new infections and deaths from HIV and tuberculosis.

While challenges persist, South Africa’s proactive measures, such as the introduction of the PrEP ring, offer hope for a brighter future in the battle against HIV.