Advocacy BriefWelcome to CAMI
The Coalition Advancing Multipurpose Innovations (CAMI) is a consortium of researchers, biotech developers, advocates and providers working to promote innovative preventive strategies that enhance reproductive and sexual health in the US and the globe. Our work is done through collaboration, convenings, advocacy and research.
Why multipurpose innovations?
Women are often simultaneously at risk for unplanned pregnancy and STIs, including HIV, and other reproductive tract infections. Multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) for sexual and reproductive health, also referred to as “combinations” technologies include vaccines, microbicides and devices (e.g ., intravaginal rings, diaphragms, etc ) and are designed to address multiple sexual and reproductive health needs, including prevention of unplanned pregnancy; prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV; and/or prevention of other reproductive tract infections (RTIs), such as bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections. Women could be protected against multiple risks, even if their intention was to address just one health need. MPTs that are acceptable, affordable, and widely available would greatly improve health and save resources.
Male and female condoms are MPTs currently available and are effective at both pregnancy and STI prevention when used correctly and consistently. However, condoms are typically not used consistently, especially in long term relationships where trust and power make it more difficult for women to negotiate. Current research on vaccines, microbicides and devices (e.g., intravaginal rings, diaphragms, etc) provides the building blocks for new MPTs which could empower women to protect themselves, some of which are already in development by biotech developers, NGOs, and academic researchers.
