Director of Medical Research, Product Development and Introduction
Kavita Nanda, MD, MHS, Director of Medical Research, FHI 360, is an obstetrician/gynecologist who has devoted her career to developing and improving the use of contraceptive methods for women. She was a co-investigator and chair of the contraceptive-safety committee for the Evidence for Contraceptive Options (ECHO) trial, a multicenter randomized trial of three different contraceptives and HIV acquisition in 7,800 African women at high risk of HIV. Dr. Nanda has served as the principal investigator for several FHI 360 studies, including addressing the safety of hormonal contraceptives among women with various medical conditions, and as study medical director for several large HIV prevention trials. Currently, Dr. Nanda is the director of a program to develop a new biodegradable implant for contraception funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Findings from the ECHO trial led to an increased focus in HIV prevention in family planning programs. Here's what else needs to happen in the COVID-19 context.