Research Published in Contraception Outlines a New Model for Measuring Acceptability of a Long-Acting Contraceptive Vaginal Ring

NEW YORK (16 December 2014) — The Population Council published new research in the November issue of the journal Contraception demonstrating that an investigational one-year contraceptive vaginal ring containing Nestorone® and ethinyl estradiol was found to be highly acceptable among women enrolled in a Phase 3 clinical trial. Because the perspectives of women are critical for defining acceptability, researchers developed a theoretical model based on women’s actual experiences with this contraceptive vaginal ring, and assessed their overall satisfaction and adherence to instructions for ring use. In this trial, researchers also measured continuation of ring use for up to one year.

“Understanding the factors that influence women’s satisfaction with and acceptability of a contraceptive method helps researchers and product developers design and test products that better meet their health and family planning needs,” said Ruth Merkatz, Director, Clinical Development, Center for Biomedical Research at the Population Council. “Our results add to the growing body of evidence documenting the acceptability of our investigational contraceptive vaginal ring. With the development of this model, we can continue studying women’s preferences for this and other vaginal rings to ensure that introductory and educational efforts are user-centric and responsive to women’s needs.”

New Study from Population and Development Review Finds Adolescent Childbearing in Iraq Has Risen Due to Increased Early Marriage Among Less-Educated Women

NEW YORK (15 December 2014) — A study published today is the first detailed assessment of whether the 8-year Iraq War had an effect on childbearing. The study found that before the war, from 1997 to 2003, adolescent fertility in Iraq was stable at just below 70 births per 1,000 girls aged 15–19. However, soon after the beginning of the war, adolescent fertility rose by more than 30 percent, reaching over 95 births per 1,000 girls in 2010. The study is included in the December 2014 issue of Population and Development Review, a peer-reviewed journal published by the Population Council.

Awardees Include Bayer HealthCare, Adolescent Girls Learning Circle, and Outgoing Council President Peter Donaldson

The Population Council honored global leaders in international health and development at the first Ideas with Impact Awards ceremony in New York City on Monday night. Photos from the event are available at http://on.fb.me/1zvDUHP.

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, the Council delivers solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths and complications experienced by women in Chhattisgarh. Our hearts go out to the women who died, those experiencing complications after surgery, and their families. We support rigorous investigations of the situation and hope they provide answers for the families of those who were affected, the people of India, and the Indian government.

The Population Council will present new research on novel approaches to HIV, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unintended pregnancy prevention at the HIV Research for Prevention Conference (HIV R4P) in Cape Town, South Africa. HIV R4P, which runs 28–31 October, is the first global scientific meeting dedicated exclusively to research on biomedical HIV prevention.

The Population Council, in collaboration with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), announced today the launch of a Phase 1 trial of PC-1005 vaginal gel, a novel multipurpose prevention technology (MPT). Thirty healthy, HIV-negative women will be enrolled in the trial to evaluate the safety, acceptability, and pharmacokinetic profile of PC-1005 gel.

The antiretroviral-based microbicide gel contains  MIV-150, an enzyme inhibitor that prevents HIV-infected cells from producing new virus; zinc acetate, an antiviral agent with activity against HIV and herpes simplex virus (HSV); and carrageenan, a natural product derived from seaweed that has been shown to have potent activity against human papillomavirus (HPV).

The Population Council has been awarded a five-year cooperative agreement from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), funded by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for Supporting Operational AIDS Research (SOAR). This global research project will determine how best to address challenges and gaps that remain in the delivery of HIV and AIDS care and support, treatment, and prevention services. Led by the Population Council, SOAR partners include the Johns Hopkins University, the University of North Carolina, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, Futures Group, and Futures Institute. The SOAR partnership will produce a large, multi-faceted body of high-quality evidence to guide the planning and implementation of programs and policies for HIV prevention, care, and treatment.

Findings Will Highlight Risk Factors, Strategies to Improve Service Delivery for Men Who Have Sex with Men, People Who Inject Drugs, and Women

NEW YORK (15 July 2014) — The Population Council will present new research on HIV and key populations at the 20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS2014) in Melbourne, Australia, 20–25 July 2014.

Oral presentations will focus on the HIV risk behaviors of men who have sex with men, the scale-up and sustainability of community-led HIV responses developed for key affected populations, and promoting gender equity among women.