Zambia introduces Dapivirine Vaginal Ring to strengthen HIV prevention efforts

The Ministry of Health has launched a new HIV prevention method for women, the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR), marking a significant step in Zambia’s efforts to curb new HIV infections.

Speaking during the official launch of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring at the University Teaching Hospital Minister of Health Alex Katakwe said the introduction of the DVR marks a shift towards more inclusive, woman-centred solutions in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The minister described the innovation as a “groundbreaking addition” to the country’s HIV prevention toolbox.

Dr Katakwe said the introduction of the DVR underscored government’s commitment to ending HIV and AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, through comprehensive and people-centred interventions.

“This ring is a symbol of progress, choice and empowerment for women and girls across our nation,” he said.

The Minister noted that while Zambia has recorded progress in reducing HIV infections, from about 63,000 new cases in 2010 to around 30,000 in 2025, young people, especially adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24, remained disproportionately affected, accounting for 38 percent of new infections.

“Adolescent girls and young women face more than three times the risk of infection compared to their male counterparts,” he said.

Dr Katakwe also called on healthcare workers, community leaders and partners to promote awareness, acceptance and correct use of the new method, while addressing myths and misinformation.

He emphasised that the success of the intervention will depend on strong collaboration between government, communities, cooperating partners and healthcare providers.

Speaking at the same event National Aids Council, representative Violet Mongeza described the rollout of the DVR as a transformative step in expanding HIV prevention options tailored specifically for women.

“This is not merely the addition of a new commodity, but an expansion of choice,” she said.

She explained that the introduction of the DVR is part of Zambia’s broader strategy under the 2025–2030 National HIV Prevention Roadmap, which promotes a combination prevention approach.

Meanwhile University Teaching Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Charles Mbewe noted that despite progress in reducing HIV infections, adolescent girls and young women continued to carry a high burden of new infections.

Dr Mbewe said UTH was among the first health facilities selected to support the rollout of the new intervention, positioning the institution at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge HIV prevention services.

He emphasized that successful implementation of the new prevention method will depend on strong health systems, revealing that the hospital had already begun preparations.

The introduction of the DVR forms part of Zambia’s broader strategy to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, with a strong focus on expanding prevention choices and

We should supply sanitary towels as well oh and wear these