As covered in two K4Health Blog posts by Ruwaida Salem, a study was released in October 2011 suggesting a connection between injectable hormonal contraceptives and an increased risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV. The World Health Organization just released a statement in response to the study and the controversy that followed. A PDF version of the complete technical statement is available on the WHO website.

The statement notes:

Some studies suggest that women using progestogen-only injectable contraception may be at increased risk of HIV acquisition, other studies do not show this association. A WHO expert group reviewed all the available evidence and agreed that the data were not sufficiently conclusive to change current guidance. However, because of the inconclusive nature of the body of evidence on possible increased risk of HIV acquisition, women using progestogen-only injectable contraception should be strongly advised to also always use condoms, male or female, and other HIV preventive measures. Expansion of contraceptive method mix and further research on the relationship between hormonal contraception and HIV infection is essential. These recommendations will be continually reviewed in light of new evidence.

Look for more commentary on this issue on K4Health.org soon, or read our previous posts:

• October 7, 2011: New Study Suggests HIV Risk with Hormonal Contraceptives: What It Means for Family Planning Policy and Programs
• October 31, 2011: Global Teleconference Tackles Questions About Hormonal Contraceptives and HIV Risk