Kenya is among four African countries carrying out large-scale clinical trials to determine whether the use of contraceptives increases the risk of HIV infection in sexually-active women. In March 2017, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released revised guidance on the use of hormonal contraceptives by women at high risk of HIV infection. The WHO recommends that long-acting progestogen-only injectables (DMPA and NET-EN) should remain accessible to women at high risk of HIV, “because the advantages of these methods generally outweigh the possible increased risk of HIV acquisition.”However, women at high risk of HIV who choose to use these methods should be counselled about the possible increased risk of HIV and how to reduce this risk. Women should have full access to the methods of their choice, regardless of their HIV risk. It also recommends that women using contraceptives should be advised of ways to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV and other STIs.

Source: Daily Nation January 22, 2018 18:33 UTC