**Fatshimetry: Fighting HIV/AIDS in Kenya and the use of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring**
As World AIDS Day approaches, the fight against HIV/AIDS remains a critical public health challenge in Kenya, especially for women. According to the Ministry of Health, an estimated 1,377,784 Kenyans are living with HIV, with women accounting for the majority with 880,000 cases.
For some sex workers, like Dandora in Nairobi, HIV infection is a real concern. The 50-year-old single mother of four turned to sex work out of financial desperation and does everything in her power to minimize the risks.
Previously on daily oral PrEP, she recently switched to the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring, approved by the Kenyan Ministry of Health. The device gradually releases the anti-HIV drug dapivirine over a period of one month.
Receiving all the information needed to use the ring effectively during a visit to the local health facility, she emphasizes how the tool represents a step forward for her protection. *”I have used oral PrEP before, but it lacks privacy and can cause side effects. When a friend told me about vaginal rings, I chose to use them to protect myself from infections,”* she explains.
Endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an additional prevention choice for women at high risk of HIV infection, the ring is praised for its discretion and ease of use by women involved in the pilot study. It will be available free of charge in Kenya in 2025.
Jennifer Gacheru, a clinical nurse at the Bar Hostess Empowerment and Support Programme (BHESP), says the preference for the ring stems from the side effects associated with oral PrEP and the requirement to take it daily.
However, it is important to note that the vaginal ring acts locally in the vagina and only provides protection during vaginal intercourse. For optimal protection, condom use is recommended to prevent further STIs and pregnancy.
Globally, 44% of all new HIV infections occur among women and girls, according to UNAIDS. It is therefore imperative that prevention and treatment access strategies continue to be strengthened to reverse this worrying trend.
As Kenya prepares to introduce the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring in 2025, women at highest risk will have access to an additional tool to protect themselves from HIV, improving their health and quality of life. Awareness and education remain essential pillars in the fight against HIV/AIDS, in order to eradicate this devastating disease and ensure a healthier future for all.