Pregnancy can be an exciting time for couples as they go to hospitals to hear their baby’s heartbeat or, perhaps, discover the sex of the baby. However, many women are discovering something else in South Africa. “Thirty-eight percent of the women tested positive for HIV during pregnancy, which is just intense,” remarked social research analyst, Alison Groves of American University, Washington DC during a recent study in South Africa. The study found this to be typical in women who seemed the least likely to get HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Most were married or in a committed relationship and said they were faithful.

Young women in South Africa, at different economic and educational levels have become the unfortunate victims of the virus that infects over 7 million people in the country – the highest rate in the world. Black African females aged between 20 to 34 recorded the highest incidence of HIV, amongst all analysed population groups.”Women do not have control over their lives sexually,” says Zeda Rosenberg, the founder and CEO of the non-profit organisation, International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM). Rape is very common, both within and outside a relationship. In South Africa, more than a quarter of men said they’ve raped at least one woman. “Men either threaten violence if they are asked to use a condom or actually incur violence,” reports Rosenberg. The vaginal ring developed by IPM hopes to tackle the spread of the disease in a way traditional methods have failed to do. Explorative data from a study, done to ascertain the effectiveness of a vaginal ring in preventing HIV, showed that regular use of the ring could reduce the risk of HIV by as much 75 percent. The result was revealed to delegates, last Thursday, attending the 21st International Conference on Aids underway in Durban.

The ring, which is about 2 inches (5 centimetres) across, is infused with the antiretroviral drug Dapivirine and is to be placed high inside a woman’s vagina, where it steadily releases the medication over the course of the month. Women insert the ring and remove it on their own. The ring provides a more discreet alternative to condoms, which are seldom used in many regions because of cultural reasons or the threat of violence. Unlike condoms “no one knows you have it, and it doesn’t interfere with the sexual experience,” Rosenberg says. “It can help a woman control her body and her health without necessarily challenging the man.” The ring can be an effective device that women can use discreetly to prevent HIV, provided women have access to the ring — a huge concern when it comes to any medical advancement. Along with the anti-AIDS pill, which is known to reduce infections by more than 90 percent, the ring affords women some control in preventing HIV. The female condom is another option but because it is visible to men, it may not be as effective.

No method is perfect in curbing the epidemic and a major challenge is getting people to use the products. The use of condoms and other visible solutions have been short-changed by the violence and attitudes towards women in certain parts of the world. Hence, these have been ineffective in stopping the spread of the virus. The vaginal ring has the potential to ensure that women in low-income areas have affordable access to protection and along with the anti-AIDS drug can make a significant dent in the fight against HIV/AIDS on the continent.

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