Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U, turns 5.

Today, the information campaign “Undetectable = Untransmittable”, shortened to U=U, celebrates its fifth anniversary and is celebrating its achievements to date.

Five years ago, on 21st July 2016, a joint statement was issued that a person living with HIV who is taking treatment and maintaining an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus sexually. The statement co-signed by scientists, health bodies and HIV organisations was the starting point for the large-scale civil society movement that became U=U.

Putting the facts around treatment and transmission into the public realm is a powerful piece of advocacy. The knowledge people gain helps reduce HIV-related stigma, and it encourages people to start (and remain on) antiretroviral therapy. Moreover, knowledge frees people living with HIV from the fear of sexual transmission – improving their relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life.

In the EECA region, the Russian-language U=U campaign was launched by Life4me+ in 2017. The approximate translation into Russian is “Undetectable means not transmitting” or H=H. The first stage of the campaign lasted until 1st December 2017 and was accompanied by an online campaign that reached thousands of audiences.

In the years following its launch the U=U consensus statement has been agreed and approved by 1,041 organisations from 102 countries – including 61 organisations from Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Of these, 11 are the state centres for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.

In April 2021, the statement was updated following recommendations to use easy-to-understand phrases. Experience has shown that in conversation with people living with HIV, their sexual partners, and the wider community, it is very important to use clear and easy-to-understand phrases such as “cannot transmit”, “without risk” and “zero risk” so that it inspires confidence and does not leave unnecessary doubt or fear.

However, despite the broad support and recognition of U=U by scientific associations and public health organisations, most people living with HIV, health workers, and those potentially at risk are not aware of the extent to which successful treatment prevents HIV transmission. News articles based on outdated data continue to be published, which further strengthen HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

To mark this important date, Life4me+ has prepared an updated website of the Russian-language campaign, H=H, which contains all the studies backing H=H, presents the history of the development of the civil movement, an updated Joint Statement and materials for those who want to support the campaign.

Also, in October 2021, Life4me+ experts will hold a session on H=H at the V St. Petersburg Forum on HIV infection. Only with the support of healthcare professionals can H=H be conveyed to everyone who needs to hear it.