Project Description

The goal of this project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is to evaluate the acceptability of three multipurpose prevention technology (MPT) delivery forms for the prevention of HIV and unintended pregnancy among young women in Kenya and South Africa: a vaginal ring, an injectable, and a co-formulated daily oral tablet (all placebos). RTI International designed data collection activities to inform the development of a culturally appropriate MPT communication strategy and educational messages tailored for young women in these sub-Saharan African settings. Additionally, the fieldwork for this study is implemented by RTI’s collaborating clinical research sites in Kisumu, Kenya, and Pretoria, South Africa. Other aspects of RTI's role are to oversee the study activities, develop research instruments, manage funding, handle logistical issues, and lead analysis and publication. This research will help identify how products and their attributes are viewed by young women at dual risk of HIV and unintended pregnancy and how messaging about the products can be appropriately tailored to increase adoption of these methods. Moreover, the findings will enhance the potential public health impact of MPTs in addressing two critical women’s health issues.

Project Partners
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Project Open
Open
Countries