At this point, we do not likely need to convince you that if you are aiming to develop and introduce an MPT product, incorporating end-user research into the process is a good idea, especially if you want it to have a positive public health impact. We at the IMPT Secretariat are delighted that end-user research has become an increased focus in the contraception, HIV prevention, and global health spaces. It is now critical that enthusiasm for end-user research in these fields is applied effectively – that is, employs the right methods with the right stakeholders during the right stages, asks questions that fill knowledge gaps rather than ‘reinvent the wheel,’ and otherwise addresses past challenges experienced with this type of research.

Since 2009, when MPTs officially became a “thing,” we have had a lot of conversations about MPTs and answered even more questions. We have spoken with friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, seatmates on plane flights – you name it. Until recently, not many people had heard of MPTs, and we spent a large part of these conversations doing quite a bit of explaining.

Most people we talk to seem universally on board with the concept of MPTs, thinking that it “just makes sense” as a prevention approach. However, because there aren’t many ready-to-use MPTs on the market (condoms being the sole exception) they are also hesitant to get “too excited” about future products still in development. For many, MPTs sound great – but intangible, disconnected from reality.

If you are an advocate for youth health and wellbeing, you need to know about multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs) – innovative tools on the horizon to address a gap in the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls. It’s a long name, but there’s a reason behind that. First, these tools are called multipurpose prevention because they simultaneously protect against various combinations of HIV, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) AND unintended pregnancy. Second, the add-on of technologies illustrates that the field is developing a range of product types that deliver prevention in innovative ways. This includes intravaginal rings, vaginal inserts, films and patches, vaginal gels combined with barrier methods, implants, oral tablets, long-acting injectables…the list goes on!