Women of childbearing age are often excluded from clinical trials for neglected tropical diseases due to the potential risks of treatment during pregnancy. Treatments for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease can carry teratogenic risks, necessitating contraceptive use during treatment and for a defined period following treatment completion. However, access to and acceptability of contraception vary widely due to cultural, religious, and socioeconomic factors. Associated exclusion from access to treatment or clinical trials limits access to life-saving therapies and contributes to gender inequities in healthcare.

In collaboration with local and international partners, DNDi is conducting a multi-country study in endemic regions of Kenya, Brazil, and Colombia to assess the acceptability of medically indicated contraceptive use among women of childbearing age. The study aims to generate evidence that will inform recommendations for improving women’s access to treatments with potential reproductive toxicity for leishmaniasis and Chagas disease.

Using a mixed-methods, community-based participatory research approach, the study includes quantitative surveys with women of childbearing potential, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with women, men, healthcare providers, and community advisory boards to guide study design.

Institutional ethics oversight and implementation support for the study are provided by Amref Health Africa (Kenya), Universidad del Norte (Colombia), and Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia (Brazil). Local Community Advisory Boards in each country provide input and guidance to ensure study activities are respectful, relevant, and aligned to community needs.

Project updates