Undetectable= Untransmittable.
U=U is a campaign that was founded by Bruce Richman, an HIV survivor. He started this campaign after he found that he himself was undetectable which he was then informed meant he could no longer transmit HIV through condom-less sex. This was a huge revelation and relief for Bruce and he knew that it would do the same for others living with HIV. Before, millions of people had no idea about U=U, there were smaller communities who were aware but this information was not being spread to the masses. So, Bruce met with the scientists/ researches who conducted large studies to create this statement of U=U to show that it was not just a campaign but that it was actual fact. U=U is a prevention strategy, often referred to as Treatment as Prevention.
So what exactly does it mean to be undetectable? Basically what this means is that the HIV in a persons blood is so low that it will not show up on a viral load test. Now, this does not mean that the person is cured of HIV however, it does mean that they can no longer transmit HIV through sex. The only way to know if you are undetectable is to see your provider regularly for viral load tests. If your viral load test becomes detectable again, your risk of spreading HIV increases. U= U does not protect one from contracting other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) thus we at Matthew 25 encourage the use of other preventative methods such as condom use and PrEP. In order to maintain the U=U status the person must continue to take there medication each day. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said that, "People who take ART daily as prescribed and achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting the virus to an HIV-negative partner."
This movement is making a huge, positive impact on people living with HIV. U=U is now a goal that PLWH can have for themselves! Bruce Richman said, "I was afraid of passing the virus on to someone I loved, so I didn't love." So many PLWH go through this feeling, like they are not worthy or good enough to love or be loved. U=U is giving back that freedom of loving without fear. · It is a great tool in the fight against stigmatization of people living with HIV. But not only is it changing the lives of those living with HIV but it can also be used as an example to try and get access to treatment all over the world, which could potentially one day end the HIV epidemic. That is major news!
At Matthew 25 we are supporters and advocates for U=U and we strive to get all of our clients living with HIV to the U=U status. Let's all strive to put an end to the stigma surrounding HIV and eventually an end to this epidemic!
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