Population Council Research that makes a difference

Population Council Statement on VOICE Trial Results
by Vice President Naomi Rutenberg

Results Underscore Importance of Understanding Full Range of Factors that Can Influence Adherence

NEW YORK (4 March 2013) — Below is a statement from Population Council vice president Naomi Rutenberg on the results of the VOICE trial, released today at the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Atlanta, GA:

"The Population Council applauds the Microbicides Trial Network investigators and participants for this well-conducted trial. While it’s disappointing to see such low levels of adherence in this study, the findings reinforce the importance of identifying HIV prevention technologies that women will use.

"The high HIV incidence among women in this trial—coupled with the striking adherence data —call for a redoubling of our efforts to find new HIV prevention methods that meet the real-world needs of women at risk.

"As we have learned from decades of work in the contraceptive field, there is no such thing as a 'one size fits all' approach to prevention. Different women will have different needs and preferences at different points in their lives. And they will be faced with different challenges that can affect product use—including the need for confidentiality or concealed products, and the ability to use products without fear of stigma or criticism from family members. This trial suggests those challenges are worthy of more research, especially for women at high risk of HIV."

Population Council’s website includes more information about our approach to microbicides development and contraceptive development.

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About the Population Council
The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues—from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York, the Council is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization governed by an international board of trustees.

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