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{
"id": 1022022,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1022022/?format=api",
"text_counter": 295,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Sen. (Dr.) Musuruve",
"speaker_title": "",
"speaker": {
"id": 13188,
"legal_name": "Getrude Musuruve Inimah",
"slug": "getrude-musuruve-inimah"
},
"content": "HIV/AIDS in Africa. A silicon vaginal ring containing the antiretroviral drug Dapevirine has been approved as a new HIV transmission prevention for women. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced that it had adopted a positive scientific opinion on its use in low and middle income countries. Information on the mainstream media, specifically the Daily Nation newspaper of 26th July, 2020 claimed that a study proved that the vaginal ring can reduce the risk of Type I HIV. The ring is seen as method for cisgender women in sub-Saharan Africa who despite being the face of the epidemic, have few options to protect themselves. Madam Deputy Speaker, the ring was developed by the International Partnership for Microbicides (IPM). The nature of the study conducted, methodology used, the recipients of the study and the resultant outcomes that informed their decision that the ring is best suited for HIV prevention for women in sub Saharan Africa was not highlighted. Madam Deputy Speaker, without empirical data that is verifiable, the study done so far lacks the credibility threshold of believability and objectivity. The developers of the ring need to state the countries where the experiment was done, the number of subjects in the study, and the control and intervening variables in the study. A sweeping statement that the ring is ideal in Africa without defending the statement is erroneous and should be taken in the right manner that it so deserves. Madam Deputy Speaker, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), at the end of 2019, there were 38 million people living with HIV worldwide. If this is the rate globally, a more effective experiment on the vaginal ring would be better done in its country of origin, the United States of America (USA). There is every need for the organization to state the pros and cons of the ring so that the intended users can make informed decisions. Before the concerned Ministry in Kenya adopts this ring, public participation must be carried out. Article 35 of the Constitution of Kenya clearly states that every citizen has a right to access information. Information availed needs to be accurate. The information given on the vaginal ring is scanty, inadequate and lacking merit. Madam Deputy Speaker, vaginal rings generally have side effects. For instance, breakthrough bleeding/spotting, increased vaginal discharge, headache, nausea, depression, decreased sex drive, breast tenderness, among others. The organization, therefore, needs to inform members on how they can overcome such eventualities, including heart attack that might result from the use of the ring. Article 43 of the Constitution of Kenya states that everyone has a right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to healthcare services. It is needful to state that the health of women in low and middle income countries matters and should never be taken for granted, no matter the circumstance. Experiments and trials are better performed on animate beings that are not human. Madam Deputy Speaker, in conclusion, the assumption made by the developers of the ring that women in Africa have few options in HIV prevention is fallacious, misleading, and does not stand the test of time. Aggressive measures need to be undertaken in public awareness on mainstream HIV prevention measures such as The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}