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Frontiers in Reproductive Health: How might we motivate uptake of the Dual Prevention Pill?
AVAC’s Wawira Nyagah and Kate Segal co-authored a comprehensive manuscript on a demand generation approach for the Dual Prevention Pill.
Project
Dual Prevention Pill Project
Integrating PrEP and contraception in a single pill to expand choices
The Dual Prevention Pill (DPP) Project aims to accelerate the development and introduction of a multipurpose prevention technology (MPT)—a single product designed to address multiple health needs—for HIV and pregnancy prevention.
In East and Southern Africa—where the DPP is initially planned for introduction—65 percent of new HIV infections are among women aged 15 and over, and 16 percent of women of reproductive age have an unmet need for contraception. As the “youth bulge” results in millions of young people entering their reproductive years, it will impact efforts to end the HIV epidemic and reduce unintended pregnancies. It is critical to ensure all women have access to both contraception and HIV prevention.
About the DPP Project
While oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) works to reduce HIV risk, uptake and continued use remain low. In 2019, a collaboration of several organizations was established to support the development and introduction of a dual prevention pill, a novel intervention for the prevention of unintended pregnancy and HIV acquisition in high-need countries. Combining the two prevention tools aims to help address some of the challenges with oral PrEP and could reduce stigma around women seeking HIV prevention services.
Advancing the DPP is the quickest way to bring a new MPT—and the first with PrEP—to market, and lays the groundwork for other MPTs currently in the research pipeline, such as vaginal rings, injectables and implants.
The project has undertaken a number of initiatives, including:
- engaging with the family planning field;
- identifying markets where HIV incidence and unmet need for modern contraception are high;
- evaluating regulatory and policy environments; leading research on end-user preferences; and
- assessing cost-effectiveness and analyzing opportunities for collaboration with the private sector on delivering the product.
Click here to learn more about the project.
Contact
Please contact kate@avac.org with any questions or requests related to this project.
Project Impact
1,250,000
potential market of women
3
countries in Africa where DPP will roll out first
10
core organizations working in collaboration (and counting!)
Featured Resources
report
Dual Prevention Pill: Market Preparation and Introduction Strategy
This strategy is intended for donors, governments, implementing partners and civil society to inform priorities and planning for DPP rollout. The strategy describes activities required to build a cohesive body of evidence and recommends an approach to DPP introduction to focus efforts.
factsheet
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dual Prevention Pill (DPP)
This factsheet provides answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Dual Prevention Pill (DPP), including what it is, who might use it, and how it can be rolled out.