Estonian Network of PLWH: Health is our fundamental value

The participants of the Estonian Consortium of Communities (Estonian Network of PLWH, the LGBT Community of Estonia - VEKLGBT and LUNEST) are joining the UequalsU campaign. "Undetectable = Untransmittable" (U=U) campaign is a global initiative supported by a significant number of leading scientists and professional organizations. The campaign foe EECA countries is organized by Life4me+.

"We are from Estonia. We are different. Our values are freedom and democracy, solidarity and human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of choice. Health is our fundamental value. We live in a country where HIV epidemic still is a serious problem. The campaign "U=U" offers new opportunities. "Undetectable Equals Untransmittable" really works and we know it by practice!" leaders of the Network of PLWH Lachin Aliyev and Igor Gordon said in a statement.

A groundswell of research confirms that when a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, it will reduce the level of HIV to "undetectable" levels which protects their health and makes them incapable of transmitting HIV to their sexual partners, or what is called "Undetectable = Untransmittable: U=U". However very few people, except the experts, are aware about it in the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. The first Russian-language campaign "U=U" aims to inform as many people as possible.

"We’re thrilled about the launch of the UequalsU campaign for Eastern Europe and Central Asia region. It is very important to educate about HIV and fight HIV stigma especially in countries where transmissions continue to grow. This is an important step to ensure Russian speaking people living with HIV, healthcare providers and policymakers can get accurate information about how treatment keeps people with HIV healthy and stops new transmissions. This goes a long way toward eliminating the HIV stigma which has been one of the greatest challenges to ending the epidemic," said Bruce Richman, the founder and executive director of the Global U=U Campaign.

Within the framework of the campaign, regional professional organizations will join the Consensus Statement.