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Koricha ZB, Abraha YG, Ababulgu SA, Abraham G, Morankar S. Community engagement in research addressing infectious diseases of poverty in sub-Saharan Africa: A qualitative systematic review. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003167. [PMID: 39008476 PMCID: PMC11249264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Though engaging communities in research processes has several advantages and implications, research efforts are poorly embedded in and linked with communities, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). There is also a need for more empirical evidence on effectively engaging communities in research in LMICs, specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Thus, there is an urgent need to synthesize existing evidence on community engagement experiences in research in SSA. Therefore, this review aimed to synthesize the existing community engagement experiences and related barriers to engaging communities in health research focusing on infectious diseases of poverty in SSA. The systematic review was conducted following the JBI methodology for qualitative systematic reviews. The review included both published and unpublished studies. A thematic analysis approach was used for data synthesis. A total of 40 studies were included in the review. Community engagement in the conceptualization of the research project, analysis, dissemination, and interpretation of the result was rare. On top of this, almost all the research projects engaged the community at a lower level of engagement (i.e., informing or consulting the community at some point in the research process), suggesting the importance of integrating communities in the entire research cycle. The lack of shared control over the research by the community was one of the significant challenges mentioned. This review uncovered that community engagement in the research process is minimal. Nevertheless, the review generated valuable evidence that can inform researchers and research stakeholders to promote effective community engagement in the research process addressing infectious diseases of poverty. Despite these, it requires rigorous primary studies to examine the applicability and usefulness of community engagement, including developing valid metrics of engagement, standardizations of reporting community engagements, and views and understandings of communities and stakeholders on the values, expectations, and concepts of community engagement in research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zewdie Birhanu Koricha
- Public Health Faculty, Department of Health, Behaviour and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Evidence-Based Healthcare and Development Centre: a JBI Centre of Excellence, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Yosef Gebreyohannes Abraha
- Public Health Faculty, Department of Health, Behaviour and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Knowledge Translation Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- The Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ethiopian Knowledge Translation Group for Health: a JBI Affiliated Group, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sabit Ababor Ababulgu
- Public Health Faculty, Department of Health, Behaviour and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Knowledge Translation Directorate, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- The Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Ethiopian Knowledge Translation Group for Health: a JBI Affiliated Group, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Gelila Abraham
- Public Health Faculty, Department of Health, Behaviour and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Evidence-Based Healthcare and Development Centre: a JBI Centre of Excellence, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Health Policy & Management Department, Jimma Institute of Health, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Sudhakar Morankar
- Public Health Faculty, Department of Health, Behaviour and Society, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Evidence-Based Healthcare and Development Centre: a JBI Centre of Excellence, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Willows TM, Oliwa J, Onyango O, Mkumbo E, Maiba J, Schell CO, Baker T, McKnight J. COVID-19 and unintended steps towards further equity in global health research. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e011888. [PMID: 37328283 PMCID: PMC10276961 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-011888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
There was, and possibly still is, potential for COVID-19 to disrupt power inequities and contribute to positive transformation in global health research that increases equity. While there is consensus about the need to decolonise by transforming global health, and a roadmap outlining how we could approach it, there are few examples of steps that could be taken to transform the mechanics of global health research. This paper contributes lessons learnt from experiences and reflections of our diverse multinational team of researchers involved in a multicountry research project. We demonstrate the positive impact on our research project of making further steps towards improving equity within our research practices. Some of the approaches adopted include redistributing power to researchers from the countries of interest at various stages in their career, by involving the whole team in decisions about the research; meaningfully involving the whole team in research data analysis; and providing opportunities for all researchers from the countries of interest to voice their perspectives as first authors in publications. Although this approach is consistent with how research guidance suggests research should be run, in reality it does not often happen in this way. The authors of this paper hope that by sharing our experience, we can contribute towards discussions about the processes required to continue developing a global health sector that is equitable and inclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Mulenga Willows
- Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford Medical Sciences Division, Oxford, UK
| | - Jacquie Oliwa
- Health Services Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Onesmus Onyango
- Health Services Unit, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Elibariki Mkumbo
- Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - John Maiba
- Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Carl Otto Schell
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tim Baker
- Health Systems, Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara, Tanzania
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jacob McKnight
- Center for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford Centre for Tropical Medicine, Oxford, UK
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Bhushan NL, Ridgeway K, Luecke EH, Palanee-Phillips T, Montgomery ET, Minnis AM. Synthesis of end-user research to inform future multipurpose prevention technologies in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1156864. [PMID: 37325244 PMCID: PMC10264572 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1156864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) experience disproportionately high rates of HIV infection and unintended pregnancy compared to their age-matched counterparts in other regions of the world. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) that offer protection against HIV and unintended pregnancy in a single product stand to address these dual sexual and reproductive health needs simultaneously. The aim of this scoping review is to identify factors that are important for optimizing the likelihood of MPT adoption by end users in SSA. Methods Study inclusion criteria included MPT research (HIV and pregnancy prevention dual indication) published or presented in English from 2000 to 2022 and conducted in SSA amongst end-users (women aged 15-44), male partners, health care providers, and community stakeholders. References were identified by searching peer reviewed literature, grey literature, conference presentations (2015-2022), grant databases, and outreach to MPT subject matter experts. Of 115 references identified, 37 references met inclusion criteria and were extracted for analysis. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarize findings within and across MPT products. Results Studies were identified from six countries in SSA and a substantial proportion included a South African (n = 27) and/or Kenyan (n = 16) study site. Most studies utilized a qualitative study design (n = 22) and evaluated MPT acceptability and preferences by presenting hypothetical products through images or a list of product attributes (n = 21). The vaginal ring (n = 20), oral tablet (n = 20), and injection (n = 15) were examined most frequently. Across studies, there was high acceptability and demand for an HIV and pregnancy prevention MPT. End users valued choice in prevention product type as well as discreetness and long-acting options. Provider counseling and community sensitization were reported as essential for future introduction of novel MPT delivery forms. Conclusion Recognizing the heterogeneity of women's preferences and changing reproductive and sexual health needs over the life course, choice is important in the delivery of pregnancy and HIV prevention products as well as amongst MPT products with distinct product profiles. End user research with active MPTs, vs. hypothetical or placebo MPTs, is necessary to advance understanding of end-user preferences and acceptability of future products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathleen Ridgeway
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ellen H. Luecke
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
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Nkomo S, Makoni W, Shapley-Quinn MK, Luecke E, Mbatsane E, Manenzhe K, Ahmed K, Johnson LM, Mahaka I, van der Straten A. Prospective acceptability of a multipurpose technology (MPT) implant in preclinical development to prevent HIV and unplanned pregnancy: Qualitative insights from women end users and health care providers in South Africa and Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285711. [PMID: 37195918 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the high rates of both HIV and unintended pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa, the SCHIELD program aims to develop a multipurpose technology implant for HIV and pregnancy prevention. An end-user evaluation was undertaken with young women and health care providers to assess preferences for modifiable implant attributes to improve future adoption and rollout. METHODS Focus group discussions were conducted with potential women end users, and health care providers experienced in implant insertion or removal participated in in-depth interviews. All participants were recruited from Harare, Zimbabwe, or Soshanguve, South Africa. The purposively stratified sampled women were either implant experienced or implant naïve and were categorized into three groups: nulliparous, postpartum, or engaged in transactional sex. Topics covered included duration (six months to three years), biodegradability, removability, and independent rod retrievability (per indication). Data were analyzed using Dedoose software and summarized into emerging themes. RESULTS Participants identified three key areas that could facilitate rollout, uptake, and adherence of an implant for HIV and pregnancy prevention. First, discreetness was the most salient topic and was associated with implant characteristics such as anatomical location, flexibility, and biodegradability. Second, the ability to independently retrieve the HIV or pregnancy prevention component was preferred, as life circumstances may change and was favored by all participants, except for young women in Soshanguve. Third, there is a need for proper counseling, sensitization, provider training, and health campaigns to facilitate rollout of a 2-in-1 implant. CONCLUSIONS A 2-in-1 implant was seen as highly desirable by most young women and health care providers. Participants discussed potential concerns and barriers to uptake of a biodegradable implant with dual HIV prevention and contraceptive properties, identifying key implant attributes that product developers can modify while still in preclinical stages.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary Kate Shapley-Quinn
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Jose, California, United States of America
| | - Ellen Luecke
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, San Jose, California, United States of America
| | | | | | - Khatija Ahmed
- Setshaba Research Centre, Soshanguve, South Africa
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Leah M Johnson
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | | | - Ariane van der Straten
- ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, California, United States of America
- Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
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Harris DM, Dam A, Morrison K, Mann C, Jackson A, Bledsoe SM, Rowan A, Longfield K. Barriers and Enablers Influencing Women's Adoption and Continuation of Vaginally Inserted Contraceptive Methods: A Literature Review. Stud Fam Plann 2022; 53:455-490. [PMID: 35922382 PMCID: PMC9545114 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Most vaginally inserted methods have limited availability and use despite offering characteristics that align with many women's stated preferences (e.g., nonhormonal and/or on demand). The objective of this review was to identify enablers and barriers to women's adoption and continuation of vaginally inserted contraceptive methods in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We searched three databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) and 18 websites using keywords related to five vaginally inserted contraceptive methods (diaphragm, vaginal ring, female condom, copper intrauterine device [IUD], hormonal IUD) and terms associated with their adoption and continuation. Searches were limited to resources published between January 2010 and September 2020. Studies eligible for inclusion in our review presented results on women's use and perspectives on the enablers and barriers to adoption and continuation of the vaginally inserted contraceptive methods of interest in LMICs. Relevant studies among women's partners were also included, but not those of providers or other stakeholders. Data were coded, analyzed, and disaggregated according to a framework grounded in family planning (FP) literature and behavioral theories common to FP research and program implementation. Our initial search yielded 13,848 results, with 182 studies ultimately included in the analysis. Across methods, we found common enablers for method adoption, including quality contraceptive counseling as well as alignment between a woman's preferences and a method's duration of use and side effect profile. Common barriers included a lack of familiarity with the methods and product cost. Notably, vaginal insertion was not a major barrier to adoption in the literature reviewed. Vaginally inserted methods of contraception have the potential to fill a gap in method offerings and expand choice. Programmatic actions should address key barriers and enable voluntary use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Harris
- Danielle M. Harris is Senior Program Manager, Kate Morrison is Program Manager, and Shannon Bledsoe is Executive Director, Catalyst Global, Carlsbad, CA, United States
| | - Anita Dam
- Anita Dam is Technical Advisor for the Introduction & Access of HIV Prevention Technologies, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Global Health Technical Professionals Program, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kate Morrison
- Danielle M. Harris is Senior Program Manager, Kate Morrison is Program Manager, and Shannon Bledsoe is Executive Director, Catalyst Global, Carlsbad, CA, United States
| | - Chastain Mann
- Chastain Mann is Chief Executive Officer, Mann Global Health, Columbus, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ashley Jackson
- Ashley Jackson is Team Lead for Sexual & Reproductive Health, Primary Health Care Program, PATH, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shannon M Bledsoe
- Danielle M. Harris is Senior Program Manager, Kate Morrison is Program Manager, and Shannon Bledsoe is Executive Director, Catalyst Global, Carlsbad, CA, United States
| | - Andrea Rowan
- Andrea Rowan is Independent Consultant and Kim Longfield is Founder and Principal, Databoom, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kim Longfield
- Andrea Rowan is Independent Consultant and Kim Longfield is Founder and Principal, Databoom, Washington, DC, USA
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Bhavaraju N, Shears K, Schwartz K, Mullick S, Jeckonia P, Murungu J, Persaud U, Vij A, Torjesen K. Introducing the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring in Sub-Saharan Africa: What Can We Learn from Oral PrEP? Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:508-517. [PMID: 34910276 PMCID: PMC8671875 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00577-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Clinical trials have found that the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR) is safe to use and effective at reducing women's risk of acquiring HIV infection. As countries prepare for the introduction of this novel long-acting, woman-controlled prevention method, an examination of key learnings from oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivery will help programs leverage successful innovations and approaches to support DVR scale-up and expand the method mix for HIV prevention. RECENT FINDINGS Intensive efforts over the past 5 years have yielded lessons on how to facilitate access to oral PrEP; expand service delivery for PrEP; address the knowledge, attitudes, and skills providers need to support PrEP initiation and effective use; develop messaging that builds community and partner support and combats stigma; and understand the cyclical nature of PrEP use. Evidence from oral PrEP introduction and scale-up can help inform and expedite DVR introduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kathleen Shears
- FHI 360, 1825 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009 USA
| | | | - Saiqa Mullick
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, 8 Blackwood Avenue, Parktown, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Patriciah Jeckonia
- LVCT Health, Batian Lane, Off Argwings Kodhek Road, Hurlingam, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joseph Murungu
- Pangaea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust, 27 Rowland Square, Milton Park, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Udita Persaud
- United States Agency for International Development, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20523 USA
| | - Ashley Vij
- United States Agency for International Development, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20523 USA
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Minnis AM, Krogstad E, Shapley-Quinn MK, Agot K, Ahmed K, Danielle Wagner L, van der Straten A. Giving voice to the end-user: input on multipurpose prevention technologies from the perspectives of young women in Kenya and South Africa. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2021; 29:1927477. [PMID: 34224341 PMCID: PMC8259853 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2021.1927477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Unintended pregnancy and unmet need for modern contraception contribute substantially to reproductive health disparities globally. In sub-Saharan Africa they occur in contexts of disproportionately high rates of HIV infection. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) can address HIV and pregnancy prevention needs in a single “2-in-1” product; however, few studies have solicited end-user views to inform design of new MPTs. We conducted the Tablets, Ring, Injections as Options (TRIO) study with young women aged 18−30 in Kenya and South Africa (N = 277) to examine preferences and acceptability of future MPTs. In a randomised clinical cross-over study in which women used three placebo delivery forms, we complemented quantitative acceptability assessments with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions (N = 88 participants). We examined anticipated enablers and barriers to adoption and use of future MPTs and synthesised novel product design recommendations. Participants expressed high interest in MPTs. Anticipated side effects constituted a primary concern; however, many expected barriers were not dosage form-specific, but addressed contextual factors instead, such as fears regarding use of new biomedical technologies, misunderstandings and stigma regarding use, and navigating partner disclosure and engagement. Women preferred MPTs that offered discreetness and long-duration protection to minimise user-burden, did not interfere with their relationships, and conferred protection for unanticipated situations. End-user research to identify and pre-emptively address potential barriers while underscoring benefits to a new MPT product is vital. Attention to cultural contexts in implementation of new MPTs is important to communicating perceived benefits, achieving acceptability and maximising public health benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra M Minnis
- Senior Research Epidemiologist and Director, Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA; Associate Adjunct Professor, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA. Correspondence:
| | - Emily Krogstad
- Scholar, Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Kawango Agot
- Executive Director, Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Khatija Ahmed
- Chief Executive Officer, Setshaba Research Centre, Soshanguve, South Africa
| | - L Danielle Wagner
- Project Coordinator, Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Senior Fellow, Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, CA, USA; Adjunct Professor, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; Consultant, ASTRA Consulting, Kensington, CA, USA
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Agot K, Lutnick A, Shapley-Quinn MK, Ahmed K, Okello T, van der Straten A. "I felt like a TRIO champion": end-user perspectives on their role as co-designers of multi-purpose technologies. Gates Open Res 2020; 4:163. [PMID: 33870103 PMCID: PMC8028846 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13182.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The likelihood that research will be relevant to and accepted by end-users and their communities is enhanced when the perspectives of both the "researchers" and the "researched" are considered. The Tablets, Ring, Injections as Options (TRIO) Study, conducted with young women in Kenya and South Africa, assessed the acceptability and preferences of three placebo-only multi-purpose technology (MPT) forms for prevention of HIV and unintended pregnancy. The objective of this analysis was to assess whether, and if so how, the women participating in the TRIO Study perceived themselves as co-designers of the three MPT products. Methods: We conducted 55 in-depth interviews, 6 focus group discussions, and 5 dissemination workshops with TRIO Study participants. Woven throughout these activities were questions and opportunities for participants to reflect on their role in the study, and to what extent they identified with their role as a co-designer. Qualitative data from these activities were analyzed thematically. Results: The analysis revealed four key themes about what resulted in the women's views as co-designers: altruism, respectful treatment, agency, and reciprocity. The women were aware of their role in determining what end-users would and would not prefer and were motivated by a desire to help themselves and others. They recognized their role as co-designers and cited being treated well by study staff, being given a chance to make choices during the study period, and being recognized as equal partners of the researchers as the main reasons. Conclusions: If prevention products are going to be successfully developed, end-users and researchers must work hand in hand. Engaging participants meaningfully as co-designers in product development research can be a powerful tool in the effort to ensure new prevention products brought to market are acceptable to the population of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawango Agot
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Alexandra Lutnick
- Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Khatija Ahmed
- Setshaba Research Centre, Soshanguve, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Timothy Okello
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Ariane van der Straten
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - The TRIO Study Team
- Impact Research and Development Organization, Kisumu, Kenya
- Behavioral and Urban Health Program, RTI International, San Francisco, California, USA
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkeley, California, USA
- Setshaba Research Centre, Soshanguve, Gauteng, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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Hemmerling A, Christopher E, Young Holt B. Towards a roadmap to advance non-hormonal contraceptive multipurpose prevention technologies: strategic insights from key stakeholders†. Biol Reprod 2020; 103:289-298. [PMID: 32639007 PMCID: PMC7401408 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of non-hormonal contraceptives is critical to increase options for women. In combination with prevention against sexually transmitted infections, they can become an important component of multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) which address multiple reproductive health needs with a single product. Resulting from multiple rounds of expert consultations, this framework aims to guide the development of non-hormonal contraceptive MPTs. Key informant interviews with experts in family planning and HIV and STI prevention and MPT product developers and funders from around the globe were conducted, reviewed, and coded. Identified key themes were discussed by experts at the November 2019 Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Contraceptive Development Meeting in Houston, Texas. Seven action strategies were identified to address key research gaps and priorities for advancing the field. They highlight the importance of identifying target populations, a systematic approach to collaborative research, and leveraging knowledge from other fields, including regulatory and patenting, manufacturing, and commercialization expertise. Employing expanded target product profiles and setting go/no-go decisions for non-hormonal MPTs will help to prioritize the most promising candidates in the drug development pipeline. Further, they call for optimizing investments and engagement of stakeholders from public and private sectors. These action strategies aim to facilitate collaboration and innovation amongst multidisciplinary MPT stakeholders. Paramount to success will be enhancing strategic alliances and reconciling the essential social–behavioral context and market forces that drive product use with the complexities of research and development, regulatory approval, and commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Hemmerling
- The Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies, A Project of CAMI Health, Public Health Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily Christopher
- The Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies, A Project of CAMI Health, Public Health Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Bethany Young Holt
- The Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies, A Project of CAMI Health, Public Health Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
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