Emily Bass is the Program Director at AVAC, a nonprofit advocacy organization dedicated to ethical research and swift implementation of new HIV prevention strategies.
Because Depo-Provera is an important contraceptive choice and because in many parts of the world, it is the only long-acting, discreet option available to women, it is vital to take the issue of a link between HIV and hormonal contraception quite seriously while adding nuance to the discussion.
For women in countries and communities with limited contraceptive choices and high rates of HIV, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, a shortage of funding for the ECHO (Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes) trial is an unacceptable development.
