The monthly dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) has been newly recommended for adolescent girls aged 16 and older as a method of HIV prevention. This development significantly expands access to the product, which was previously recommended for women aged 18 and older, offering young women and girls more control over their health in the fight against HIV.
The DVR is a silicone ring that slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine over the course of a month, providing localized protection in the vagina. Clinical trials have shown the ring can reduce the risk of HIV acquisition by approximately 30%, with improved effectiveness up to 62% when used consistently, as demonstrated in follow-up studies.
Adolescent girls and young women remain one of the most vulnerable populations to HIV, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, 77% of new HIV infections among this group occurred in the region, where young women face HIV prevalence rates more than three times higher than their male peers. The DVR offers a discreet, long-acting alternative to daily oral PrEP, which has been the primary HIV prevention tool available.
The updated recommendation is based on data from a study conducted among girls and young women aged 16 to 21 in South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The participants were offered both the DVR and daily oral PrEP over the course of a year. After using both methods, two-thirds of participants opted to continue using the DVR, signaling a strong preference for the product among young women.
Expanding prevention options is seen as a critical step in slowing the HIV epidemic, especially in regions where gender inequality, stigma, and limited access to healthcare present major barriers. The DVR provides a private, woman-controlled method that aligns with the needs and lifestyles of many adolescent girls, particularly those who may face challenges taking a daily pill or negotiating condom use.
With regulatory approval already granted in 12 African countries and more pending, the broadened recommendation promises to enhance availability and accessibility. As efforts continue to combat HIV globally, ensuring adolescent girls can choose from a range of prevention tools tailored to their needs remains essential.
This expansion represents not only scientific progress but also a powerful move toward health autonomy and equity for young women most at risk of HIV.
