GENITAL INFLAMMATION TEST FOR HIV PREVENTION

The Genital Inflammation Test (GIFT) is being developed to improve the health of women in resource-limited settings like Africa, where there is an extreme burden of asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis (BV). These women have elevated genital inflammation, which in turn increases risk of HIV and adverse birth outcomes. However, in resource-limited settings, women are only treated when they present with clinical signs or symptoms, known as syndromic management. GIFT is a point-of-care test that detects genital inflammation and will be used to improve access to treatment for women with asymptomatic STIs/BV. GIFT will thereby contribute to reducing HIV infections and reproductive complications.