International Centre for Reproductive Health – Kenya (ICRHK) implements the Microbicide Preparedness Study in Mombasa with funding from the International Partnership for Microbicides. The study evaluates the feasibility of establishing a new site for microbicide clinical trials in Mombasa by conducting a cohort study among women with high-risk behaviour for HIV-1 infection.

Study Objectives

• Estimate the annual incidence of HIV-1 infection among women at high risk of HIV acquisition in Kisauni and Changamwe divisions of Mombasa.
• Estimate the rate of participant accrual into an HIV-preventive research study.
• Estimate the rate of retention in an HIV-preventive research study.
• Describe demographic characteristics, HIV-related risk behaviours, contraceptive use, and pregnancy rates among high-risk women.
• Assess the prevalence and symptoms of sexually transmitted and reproductive tract infections (STIs/RTIs).
• Document vaginal hygiene practices and use of vaginally applied products among women at high risk of HIV.

Impact

• Established and strengthened a clinical research site in Mombasa capable of conducting HIV-preventive trials.
• Built technical capacity by ensuring adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
• Generated critical baseline data on HIV incidence, behavioural risk, contraceptive use, and STI/RTI prevalence among high-risk women.
• Positioned ICRHK and partners to contribute to future microbicide and HIV-prevention interventions.