adminTanaka Mahanya
THE United Nations Agency for International Development (UNAID) has funded a project to advance research and development of innovative HIV prevention products for women.
The mission of the project, MATRIX, is to develop a range of acceptable, affordable, scalable and deliverable products to meet the needs of women at risk of HIV.
Products being considered, as part of MATRIX, include long-term implants and injectables, short-acting and on-demand vaginal products that are low cost and may appeal to women who prefer not to use systematic products or multipurpose products.
There will be a collaborative initiative designed to positively accelerate early research and development for new HIV-prevention products.
Speaking at a science café, HIV Prevention lead researcher at the University of Zimbabwe Clinical Research Centre, Nyaradzo Mgodi, said women should have more choices when choosing appropriate HIV prevention products.
“There will be collaborations between United States-based investigators with investigators based in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya.
“This is to gain important insight into the acceptability of different HIV prevention products in the populations that matter most, and to do so much earlier in the process than has been the practice.
“This ensures that our scientists take part in the research.
“The idea of locals taking part fits well with education 5.0 which works towards problem-solving and value creation.”
Online Reporter