Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

2-2026

Abstract

Background: Mozambique has high number of new HIV infections, with adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) disproportionally affected, representing 27% of the 91,644 annual infections. Oral PrEP has been implemented in Mozambique since 2017, however, while 13,585 AGYW initiated PrEP in Nampula Province since 2024, persistence remains a challenge, with 3,111(23%) remaining on PrEP by Dec 2024. To improve acceptance and persistence, the Ministry of Health, with ICAP support, introduced the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DVR) as a PrEP option in March 2025. Methods: DVR was offered at 25 de Setembro Health Centre, Nampula City, focusing on AGYW. It was integrated into the existing PrEP services at youth friendly services (YFS), delivered by national health system staff and with distribution and storage integrated into the existing supply chain. Clients receive a phone call reminder 3 days before their appointment. Product-specific demand generation materials were developed, and monitoring and evaluation methods were revised. Rapid HIV testing as per national guidelines was done at initial visit and at the first follow-up visit (28 days post initiation), and then quarterly (at each DVR follow-up visit). We analyzed data from routine aggregated clinic reports, from March to August 2025. Results: From March to August 2025, 396 AGYW were offered DVR, with 285 (72%) clients initiating (120 [42%] aged 15-19, and 165 [58%] aged 20-24). Among the 285 AGYW who initiated, 279 (98%) were PrEP naïve. Among the 108 AGYW who did not initiate, 33 (31%) preferred oral PrEP, 29 (27%) feared the ring size, and 13 (12%) feared getting a sexually transmitted infection. All 285 clients who initiated DVR were tested for HIV at their first visit, and 212 of those who had at least 1 follow-up visit were tested for HIV at all follow-up visits. No client seroconverted during follow-up. The return rate for the second visit was 74% (212/285). Conclusions: DVR had greater acceptability among PrEP-naive clients. The program showed encouraging results regarding adherence with follow-up visits. Although follow-up is limited, no seroconversions have been observed to date. Further follow-up is ongoing.

Comments

Poster presented by ICAP Global Health at CROI 2026

Language

English

Project

The Dapivirine Vaginal Ring for HIV Prevention

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