ECHO trial results with be announced on 13th June 2019 in Durban. As we wait for the results, we are very anxious. ICWEA and other partners have participated in various global debates, discussions, and engagement at the global and country level to ensure voices of women are represented to inform the design of the study, the process and continued engagement of women and SRHR advocates in a meaningful way. ICWEA staff
Various observational studies showed that women using hormonal contraceptive may be at higher risk for acquiring HIV; other studies showed this was not the case. World Health Organization released guidance for hormonal contraception and women at risk for HIV as part the Medical Eligibility Criteria. The WHO guidance statement on hormonal contraception and HIV acknowledge the uncertainty about whether DMPA-IM or similar injectables impact HIV risk.
The Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (http://echo-consortium.com was launched in 2015. The ECHO study is an open-label randomized clinical trial that compares three methods of contraception, including the progestin-only injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), a progestin implant – Jadelle and the copper intrauterine device (IUD), to evaluate whether there is a link between use of any of these methods and increased risk of acquiring HIV infection. The trial started in 2016 in four countries; Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and Eswatini – ECHO results are expected to be announced in July 2019.
