Kenya has approved the Dapirivine vaginal ring, also known as DapiRing, as a long-term HIV prevention method for women. This marks the first time the government has given approval for the ring’s pilot use in the country.
According to the Population Council, the DapiRing has proven to be more effective than condoms and oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), boasting a favorable safety profile. Here’s everything you need to know about the ring.
According to the council, to use the ring properly, it must be worn inside the vagina for a period of 28 days, after which it should be replaced by a new ring.
The ring which is made of silicone, is easy to bend and insert. It works by slowly releasing the antiretroviral drug dapivirine into the vagina over 28 days.
The ring is positioned inside the vagina near the cervix, where it slowly releases the antiretroviral drug, dapivirine, at the potential infection site.
For maximum effectiveness, the ring should not be removed before a month elapses. Additionally, it is comfortable and cannot be felt, by the user or their patner during intercourse.
There is no need to remove the ring during menstruation, as it can be used alongside a tampon.
The ring can be used with most forms of contraception but should not be used with contraceptive vaginal rings, diaphragms, menstrual cups, or cervical caps.
The ring has also received approval for pilot implementation in Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.
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