Multipurpose Prevention Technologies Save Women From HIV and STIs

By Shobha Shukla, Citizen News Service (CNS)

Women of reproductive age have a need for prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, and family planning methods. More importantly, women need prevention tools/methods that are under their control and do not leave them at the mercy of their partner, in as far as their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is concerned. Dr Elizabeth Bukusi, Deputy Director (Research and Training), Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) spoke to Citizen News Service (CNS) at 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014).

She quoted Sharon Camp who had said: “Women want contraceptive methods that can protect against both pregnancy and disease without unpleasant side effects that do not interfere with sex, require little or no medical supervision and are effective when used post-coitally.”

Hence developing products that can be used for dual purposes (multipurpose prevention technologies or MPTs) with a single mode of delivery is a critical need. MPTs are a range of prevention options, still in development, that will enable women to address their sexual and reproductive health concerns as they change over time- ranging from delay in first birth, to planning and spacing pregnancy, to long term or permanent method of contraception. But the need for prevention of STI/RTIs & HIV remains a lifelong overriding need throughout.

medical research centre
A Medical Research Centre

An MPT is a single product, configured for at least two prevention indications: contraception, protection against HIV and other STIs, and other health benefits. It thus promises greater efficiency in terms of cost, access and delivery of prevention products.

There are a host of MPT options in the development pipeline. MPTs can be in the form of gels, intra-vaginal rings (IVRs), vaginal tablet, injectables or implantable barrier devices used with a gel or film that have a combination of contraceptive, microbicidal and/or anti- STI properties with different mechanisms of action that act to prevent pregnancy, HIV and/or STIs. They could be on demand-used around time of intercourse- or could be sustained release devices like IVRs, which do not require daily action, or they could be long acting injectables.

According to Dr Nomita Chandhiok, Senior Scientist at the Division of and Child Health, Indian Council of Medical Research: “The main challenge of researchers, providers and policy makers is to address the primary sexual and reproductive health concerns of all women in terms of (i) Healthy timing & spacing of intended pregnancies, (ii) Safe birth for mother and child and (iii) Protection against STIs, including HIV.”

Dr Chandhiok added: “For a country like India, where unmet contraception needs of women are high, along with high fertility and maternal mortality rates, MPTs offer great potential for public health impact through prevention of unintended pregnancies and HIV/STIs. Of course, the products will need to be tailored to address women’s changing needs throughout their life cycle and also keep in mind socio-cultural beliefs and practices, and the gender dynamics. Moreover users and providers perspective and positioning of product would impact product acceptability.”

Understandably, the status and empowerment of women in society and within their households is critical for promoting change in reproductive attitudes and behaviour. If found safe and promoted strategically, MPTs will indeed transform the health of women.

Dr Bukusi concluded with a statement from Hillary Clinton: “Women’s health is essential to the prosperity and opportunity of all, to the stability of families and communities, and the sustainability and development of nations. There is a direct line between women’s reproductive health and their ability to lead a productive, fulfilling life. Investing in the potential of women and girls is the smartest investment we can make.”

Shobha Shukla is the Managing Editor of Citizen News Service – CNS. She is reporting from the XX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014) with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Programme. She is a J2J Fellow of National Press Foundation (NPF) USA and received her editing training in Singapore. She has earlier worked with State Planning Institute, UP and taught physics at India’s prestigious Loreto Convent. She also co-authored and edited publications on gender justice, childhood TB, childhood pneumonia, Hepatitis C Virus and HIV, and MDR-TB. Email: shobha@citizen-news.org, website: www.citizen-news.org

– Shared under Creative Commons (CC) Attribution License

Hot this week

Did David Wineland and Serge Haroche Steal Idea For The Nobel Physics Prize?

Dr. Omerbashich says the Royal Swedish Academy is a Crime Scene and he has the proof that Nobel laureates stole his discovery.

New Approaches to Disaster Relief Challenges

Disaster relief has always been a challenge. NASA, Google,...

3 Legitimate Money Making Methods to Supplement Your Income

In a perfect world, when your landlord raises your...

2016 Predictions by World Renowned Medium and Psychic Lindy Baker

World renowned medium and psychic Lindy Baker is interviewed by The Hollywood Sentinel, discussing psychic power, the spirit world, life after death, areas of concern in 2016, and much more.

Digital Coupon Customers Spending More Than Double At Stores

A new study shows that customers who use digital coupons go shopping more for groceries and other household goods more often and spend more on their shopping trips.

Somalia Launches First Youth Football Development Center

Inaugurated by the president of Somali Football Federation, Mr. Ali Abdi Mohamed, the new youth football development center began its operation in the city of Baidoa on Thursday 13th of February 2025.

Tulsi Gabbard Confirmed as U.S. Director of National Intelligence, Meets with Indian PM Modi

Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence The U.S. Senate confirmed...

Why Is Kendrick Lamar Dissing Drake Now?

Kendrick Lamar and Drake once shared a collaborative spirit, but tensions simmered in 2013 with Lamar's bold verse on "Control." What followed...

The History of Palestine: Ancient Civilizations to Today

From the ancient settlements of Jericho to the emergence of the Canaanites, the origins of Palestine reveal a rich tapestry of cultures. But what mysteries lie hidden in its sands, waiting to be unearthed?

DIY Garden Projects: Creative and Budget-Friendly Ideas

Transform your backyard with stunning DIY garden projects that elevate your outdoor space—yet one unexpected challenge remains...

Omri Hurwitz Media Adds New Clients BridgerPay, Marble Law, Canditech, Among Others

In a world where digital storytelling and media presence...

SFF President Names Election Rival as Referee Committee Chair

In a move described by many as a good...

This History of Hamas: Key Events Explored

As we explore the origins of this organization, a complex picture emerges, leading us to one question: what sparked...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img