This issue of AVAC’s quarterly newsletter, Px Wire, is now available. Check it out for a deep dive into the data that suggest men who have sex with men may be able protected by oral PrEP, even if they don’t dose every day—and for the reasons why these data do not apply to women. You’ll also find out why messages about global AIDS are on our mind—and what we’d change about the current global conversation.
Px Wire July-September 2017, Vol. 10, No. 3
Hormonal Contraceptive Methods and HIV: Research gaps and programmatic priorities
This article in Contraception summarizes key findings and conclusions from a December 2015 meeting convened by WHO on the research agenda for hormonal contraception and HIV.
What Is Up With DMPA And “Grades” For Family Planning?
AVAC’s sheet on the hormonal contraceptive known as Depo-Provera (DMPA) and the WHO grading system for contraceptives explains key issues in plain language. Research findings have raised questions about the safety and effectiveness of DMPA for women who face a high risk of HIV. WHO evaluates the safety and efficacy of contraceptive methods.
Global Investments in Multipurpose Prevention Technology Research and Development
CAMI Health and the Resource Tracking for HIV Prevention Research and Development Working Group published this 2016 analysis of investment through grants in multipurpose prevention technology. Read on for statistics showing increased funding overall, and review research and development progress to date.
Key Barriers to Women’s Access to HIV Treatment: Making ‘Fact-Track’ a Reality
It is essential to understand the barriers to and facilitators of women’s access to ART, so that individual choices about when and whether to start, and continue with, treatment translate into positive mental and physical health outcomes for the woman, as well as benefiting public health.
In this review, socio-structural factors were explored at macro-, meso- and micro-levels in order to better understand the experiences women living with HIV have of treatment availability and their decision-making around uptake, and to assess how treatment programmes affect their lives. Removing barriers and changing policies and programmes to align with best practices will contribute substantially to efforts for the achievement of global goals such as the ‘90-90-90’ UNAIDS ‘Fast-Track’ targets.
Advocating Female Condoms: A reflection on stakeholder commitments & trends in support for female condoms
Produced by the Universal Access to Female Condoms consortium, this document analyzes policies, programs and budgets of organizations working on female condoms; looks at trends in expenditures on female condoms; provides an overview of emerging trends relevant for female condom advocacy, programming and procurement; and formulates recommendations for the future of female condom advocacy.
Breaking Regulatory Barriers for Greater Female Condom Access
A variety of safe and effective female condoms currently exist. However, regulatory hurdles limit new products from entering consumer markets. With the pipeline of new receptive-partner initiated condoms growing, advocates must understand how regulatory issues determine product introduction and approval in their country.
Receptive partner-initiated condoms in development
Link between regulatory environment and female condom access
Current regulatory issues and obstacles
Unique advocacy opportunity to break barriers to existing female condoms and pave the way for emerging internal condoms
You can watch the webinar here.
What do women want in multipurpose technologies?
Multipurpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) are a fast-growing area in women’s sexual and reproductive health. On November 12, AVAC and CAMI Health co-hosted a webinar: MPT Acceptability in Uganda, Nigeria and South Africa.
Data and Uncertainty: Understanding updates on hormonal contraceptives and HIV
AIDS 2014 featured analyses of data on the potential relationship between hormonal contraceptives and risk of HIV infection. Researchers Charles Morrison (FHI 360) and Kristin Wall (Emory University), and Mary Lyn Gaffield from the WHO discussed the newest findings and guidance.
Creating a Prevention Agenda for Women: AVAC/CHANGE meeting for coordinated global advocacy
This report, released by CHANGE and cosponsored by AVAC, summarizes the key recommendations related to integration of HIV and family planning services, how to best move forward in the context of uncertainty about whether some hormonal contraceptives (HC) increase HIV risk, and how to advance “method mix”—a wider array of contraceptive choices for women everywhere.