Women and girls continue to bear the global burden of HIV/AIDS; nearly 60% of all new adult infections are among women. Young women aged 15–24 are more than twice as likely to acquire HIV than young men. 

The International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM) developed the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DapiRingTM), a long-acting, user-controlled vaginal ring to reduce the risk of HIV transmission during vaginal sex. The Population Council acquired the DapiRing and other assets from IPM in 2022, including a key subset of the DapiRing development team.

The dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR), an innovative product to help women reduce the risk of HIV infection, has now gained regulatory approval or authorization through import permits for use in 11 countries in East and Southern Africa, announced the Population Council and IPM South Africa, an affiliate of the Population Council, today. The ring is currently being offered to women through more than 30 implementation and pilot studies across six countries.

The ring is the first long-acting HIV prevention method designed for women that is approved for use in women aged 18 and above. Made of flexible silicone, the ring slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period.

Diantha Pillay is Associate Director of Product Access and Medical Science Liaison for Population Council South Africa. Capital talked to her about the new product and how it can help young women in Africa. Excerpts;