Centre for African Family Studies

According to the WHO, the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age if HIV/AIDS.[1] This is the reason why there is an urgent need for the development of a HIV prevention technology that would do more to protect women then those already in existence. Microbicides are this kind of HIV prevention technology. They are medical products being developed to protect healthy, HIV negative women from becoming infected with HIV during sex. They come in different forms such as a vaginal ring and a gel that can be used by the women though they are not currently available in the market yet. With regards to this, Health and Development Africa (South Africa) requested CAFS to conduct a Microbicide Market Assessment Study in Kenya on behalf of the international partnership for Microbicides. This same study was also conducted in Lesotho and South Africa.

“A market assessment is essential before any new product comes into the market. It gives an insight into the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the target market which subsequently ensures that the product will be successful.” Fiona Ngarachu, Market assessment researcher. The CAFS research team carried out interviews and focus group discussions with participants in Nairobi and Nyeri in June and August.

-           To learn more about Microbicides please visit, http://www.ipmglobal.org/