Promoting U=U to Reduce HIV Stigma
Nittaya Phanuphak, from the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, urges African and Caribbean nations to support U=U, which indicates that undetectable viral loads result in no sexual transmission risk. This principle, endorsed by the World Health Organization, aims to reduce HIV stigma. Research validates this by showing no transmissions in couples over two years when the viral load is undetectable, emphasizing the need to share this knowledge globally.
Nittaya Phanuphak, executive director of the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI), advocates for countries in Africa and the Caribbean to adopt the U=U message—undetectable equals untransmittable—into their HIV prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.
The World Health Organization has endorsed U=U, confirming that an undetectable viral load leads to zero risk of sexual transmission.
Dr. Nittaya highlighted this at a Bangkok forum attended by representatives from Botswana, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia.
The forum was part of a global initiative against HIV stigma and discrimination.
Dr. Nittaya recalled a controversial 2020 incident where a Thai man's post on having an undetectable viral load and ceasing condom use sparked public debate, backed by scientific evidence from research such as the Opposites Attract Study.
This study, conducted in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand, showed no HIV transmission between couples after two years of unprotected sex when HIV was undetectable.
Dr. Nittaya emphasized the importance of spreading this knowledge to combat stigma.
The World Health Organization has endorsed U=U, confirming that an undetectable viral load leads to zero risk of sexual transmission.
Dr. Nittaya highlighted this at a Bangkok forum attended by representatives from Botswana, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zambia.
The forum was part of a global initiative against HIV stigma and discrimination.
Dr. Nittaya recalled a controversial 2020 incident where a Thai man's post on having an undetectable viral load and ceasing condom use sparked public debate, backed by scientific evidence from research such as the Opposites Attract Study.
This study, conducted in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand, showed no HIV transmission between couples after two years of unprotected sex when HIV was undetectable.
Dr. Nittaya emphasized the importance of spreading this knowledge to combat stigma.
