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Kenyan women will soon have access to free vaginal rings that help prevent HIV infection for a month.
These rings, which are inserted into the vagina and release the antiretroviral drug dapivirine over 28 days, were approved for use in Kenya last year.
The Global Fund, supported by a $2 million donation from the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, will supply 150,000 of these rings to countries with Global Fund grants.
Women in Kenya are disproportionately affected by HIV, with approximately 880,000 out of 1.4 million people living with the virus being women. The rings offer a self-controlled, discreet prevention method that doesn’t require a partner’s cooperation.
“The PrEP ring provides a discreet option entirely under women’s control,” said Miles Kemplay from CIFF. “Historically, the cost has been a barrier. This partnership marks the start of making this option more affordable and accessible.”
Currently priced around Sh1,500 per month, the ring’s cost is expected to drop significantly with a new three-month version in development, anticipated to be under Sh2,000.
The Global Fund and CIFF’s partnership, starting in October, aims to increase market adoption of the PrEP ring and support the development of longer-lasting and locally-manufactured versions.
The World Health Organization has recommended the ring as part of a broader prevention strategy since 2021. While effective at reducing HIV risk by 30-60%, the ring does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
The U.S. FDA had previously indicated it was unlikely to approve the ring due to its moderate efficacy, leading the developer to withdraw its application in 2021.
