New global guidance supports community and lay health workers in postpartum hemorrhage prevention.

New global guidance has emerged to support countries as they consider introducing or scaling-up misoprostol for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) recognize the critical role that community and lay health workers play in preventing PPH and increasing access to misoprostol where skilled birth attendants are not available. As case examples from Nigeria and Nepal illustrate, community engagement and empowerment are critical strategies in successful misoprostol for PPH programs, and must increasingly be viewed as part of efforts to improve maternal health and achieve Millennium Development Goal 5.

Acceptability of vaginal film, soft-gel capsule, and tablet as potential microbicide delivery methods among African women.

Background: Vaginal microbicides are in development for the prevention of HIV transmission to women via sexual intercourse. Acceptability of the microbicide delivery method in the targeted population is important to product adherence and, therefore, product effectiveness. It is anticipated that multiple delivery methods will be required to satisfy personal preferences among future microbicide users.