Women Speak: Preparing for the results of the ECHO trial

The Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Study is an open-label, randomized, clinical trial comparing three highly effective, reversible methods of contraception — the progestogen-only injectable depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), a levonorgestrel implant, and the non-hormonal copper intrauterine device — to evaluate whether there is any difference in the risk of acquiring HIV infection among users of these methods.

Civil society led by and for women in Africa is working with allies around the world to prepare for the ECHO results and advance a broader agenda of sexual health and rights that centers women and affirms the right to full information and informed choice, as well as integration of HIV and sexual and reproductive health programs.

Reports from civil society forum meetings in 2018, as well as key resources, are below.

Reports from Civil Society Meetings

Women Speak: Report on a four-country, woman-led project to prepare for the results of the ECHO trial

This report summarizes the key takeaways from the four dialogues, and reflect the varying thoughts and opinions of participants. The top-line issues and recommendations are meant for stakeholders to consider in their planning and preparation for ECHO trial results. Participants also highlighted their commitments to prepare for trial results at the country and regional level.

Zambia Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on the ECHO Trial

Led by TALC
22 March 2018 - Cresta Golfview Hotel, Lusaka, Zambia
For more information, contact Chilufya Kasanda ([email protected])

Kenya Civil Society Forum on Hormonal Contraception and HIV

Led by ICW-Kenya
9 May 2018 - Ngong Hills Hotel, Nairobi, Kenya
For more information, contact Jacque Wambui ([email protected]) and Consolata Opiyo ([email protected])

eSwatini Community Civil Society Forum on Hormonal Contraception and HIV

Led by APHA
21 June 2018 - Happy Valley Hotel and Casino, eSwatini
For more information, contact Yvette Raphael ([email protected])

Key Resources

• Assessing Communication and Advocacy Needs around the Evidence for Contraceptive Option and HIV Outcomes (ECHO) Trial Results: A Landscape Assessment, JHU CCP, February 2019
• Real Women Don't Look Like Models: What the latest paper on hormonal contraception and HIV risk leaves out, AVAC P-Values blog, Jan 2018
• Hormonal Contraceptive Eligibility for Women at High Risk of HIV: Frequently asked questions, WHO, Feb 2017
• Hormonal Contraceptives and HIV, AVAC
• Playing with the Fine Print: Hormonal contraception and HIV risk, AVAC, Nov 2017
• ECHO Study Questions and Answers, Nov 2017
• Hormonal Contraceptives and HIV — An introductory fact sheet, AVAC, March 2017

WHO MEC and related docs

• What is up with DMPA and “grades” for family planning?, AVAC, March 2017
• WHO Updates Guidance on Hormonal Contraception and HIV, AVAC P-Values blog, March 2017
• Hormonal contraceptive eligibility for women at high risk of HIV, WHO Guidance Statement, 2017
• Statement by the ECHO Management Committee on the new WHO guidance on use of hormonal contraceptives by women at high risk of HIV, March 2017

Webinars and tools

• Results for Informed Choice database, JHU CCP, March 2019
• Track the Research with a range of references, AVAC
• Contraception and HIV Prevention: A clear picture of women's needs — Infographic, AVAC, October 2018
• Webinar - With WHO on hormonal contraception and HIV, April 2017
• Webinar - Hormonal contraception and HIV: Putting new developments in context, March 2017