Stefan Baral

This session captured the importance of clear, evidenced-based messaging that is U=U. ‘Undetectable = Untransmissible’ Experiences of this message proving effective in mitigating stigma and discrimination was discussed by a panel of young adult activists. Harold Phillips (White House) closed with words of gratitude and encouragement. Rapporteur summary: Kalai Willis.

Franco Luciano Bova (Asociación Ciclo Positivo) began by bringing attention to the stigma attached to the use of the word ‘serodiscordant’ saying, “it diminishes one’s value to their blood.” Franco continued by walking us through a personal love story, one where both partners are protected because of undetectable viral load—a concept often misunderstood or unknown. Jessicamarjane Duran Franco (Trans Justice Project Mexico & Red de Juventudes Trans) discussed personal experiences of discrimination in the healthcare system and shared that “people need life in [their] dreams, not only activists.” This highlights the multi-dimensional lens of activism as was further evidenced by Sharifah Kyomukama Nalugo (Joint Clinical Research Centre). Sharifah started her journey of dancing to teach people about HIV/AIDS and has since expanded to TikTok to further provide comfort for her community. Sharifah serves as a beacon of hope in her community and recounted instances wherein people have messaged her indicating that her videos encouraged them to take their ARVs. Most people do not know that information and research regarding U=U exists. However, once this information is known, expressions of relief and empowerment are shared. This session was evidence that U=U messaging is a win for all of us.

This empowering session unveiled the lived experience of discrimination among young people living with HIV juxtaposed with the hope and promise of social change. Despite the complexities of biomedical science, the message is clear: U=U. To this end, Franco, Jessicamarjane, and Sharifah passionately spoke about the importance of U=U messaging in addressing stigma. “How many people have you told about U=U?” This question raised by Franco is a critical reflection for us all to stand together, join voices, and amplify this imperative message. Truly, to be ideal activists for U=U we need not ‘reinvent the wheel’, rather leverage existing tools/platforms.

Stephane Wen-Wei Ku

To fight against the stigma and discrimination of HIV infection, the panel encourages young people living with HIV to participate actively in the U=U campaign by raising their voices and spreading the message to the general population.

Mr. Franco Luciano Bova, a gay man living with HIV from Argentina, shared his experience how U=U shaped his relationship with his seronegative partner and how he engaged with local organizations, healthcare providers and the government to promote the U=U campaign. He also raised the problems of not having enough data of the proportion of people living with undetectable HIV viral load and lacking awareness of U=U in Latin America. Miss Jessica Duran Franco, a transgender woman living with HIV from Mexico, explained the predicament of inequity among transgender communities while seeking for health care, such as delayed initiation of ART. She also stressed the importance of mental health and social justice. Miss Sharifah Kyomukama Nalugo, a young women living with HIV from Uganda, shared her story of transforming herself from an socially-isolated teenager, who thought she would live her life alone, into an inspiring, successful advocate by posting her stories and U=U campaign openly on Tik-Tok. The panel believed U=U campaign can empower people to live with HIV safely and build relationship with their partners. They advocated more conversation should be carried with the general population and more action should be taken by the young generation living with HIV.

There should be endorsement of U=U at a social and optimally national level, assuring healthcare providers aware of the implication of U=U and practicing accordingly. There should be also sustained support for people living with HIV in order to maintain the viral load undetectable, addressing the social determinants such as providing food, shelter and affordable health care. Last but not least, no social justice would be achieved without the active engagement of the young generations.