ECHO Trial Results Released

The results published today of the Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes Study, or ECHO trial, found that there is no significant additional risk of HIV acquisition among women using the three contraceptive methods studied.

The ECHO trial was designed to evaluate the risk of acquiring HIV in women who used the copper-releasing intrauterine device (Cu-IUD), a levonorgestrel (LNG) implant (Jadelle), and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate-intramuscular (DMPA-IM), also known as Depo-Provera. The study compared infection rates among thousands of women who used one of the three methods for 18 months.

We at JSI are committed to working in communities to ensure that all women and adolescents, including those living with HIV and those at high risk of acquiring HIV, have access to a full range of contraceptive options and complete information about method characteristics, side effects, and risks, so that they can make their own decisions about what’s right for them.

We continue to be concerned by high rates of HIV infection among adolescents and young women, and we are committed to strengthening the integration of HIV prevention and family planning services in every way, so that women are more fully empowered to protect their sexual and reproductive health throughout their lives.

JSI will continue to support complete and accurate education about reproductive health products for all community members, early introduction of new contraceptive methods and multi-purpose prevention products,  and actions that increase gender equity and improve health.

Read the study report in The Lancet, HIV incidence among women using intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, a copper intrauterine device, or a levonorgestrel implant for contraception: a randomised, multicentre, open-label trial