Early this month the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) approved the use of the Dapirivirine vaginal ring which can be used by women to protect themselves against HIV. The approval came through on the 6th of July. The ring reduces a women’s chance of getting an HIV-1 infection by about 30% and consistent use reduces the risk of getting HIV b about half.

A video on the ring

The Dapivirine Ring was approved by MCAZ on the 6th of July 2021. The Dapivirine Ring has just recently been approved for use in Zimbabwe.

The Authority will continue to monitor the product as it is being used in Zimbabwe and relies on the public to report to their healthcare providers if they have any issues with the ring.
This would help the authority to continuously ensure the public are protected and have access to safe, effective and good quality products.

Fighting old enemies

It’s true, we are in the middle of a raging COVID-19 pandemic here in Zimbabwe. We are getting thousands of cases per day for the first time ever since it all began. However, we still have other health issues to contend with among them is the HIV/AIDS pandemic that has killed hundreds of thousands of people for decades-a familiar but deadly enemy.

Zimbabwe is the first country in the world to approve the use of Dapirivine rings. The use of the ring is being explored in other African countries that have traditionally struggled with HIV prevalence rates including South Africa, Rwanda and Uganda.