A team of HIV advocates at the AIDS2018 pre-conference in Amsterdam. | Photo: Twitter/Brent Allan
As more scientific evidence comes out proving that people living with HIV (PLHIV) who have undetectable viral loads cannot transmit HIV to sexual partners, Australian doctors will now reinforce that message to their patients.
In what has been seen as major win for HIV advocates, the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) has released a guide to help doctors understand the ‘Undetectable=Untransmittable (U=U)’ campaign.
ASHM is the leading body for health professionals in Australia and New Zealand who work in HIV, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmissible infections (STI).
ASHM has just released a clinical guide on the topic to help healthcare workers better understand U=U so that they can better inform their patients. ASHM unveiled the guide at an AIDS 2018 pre-conference in Amsterdam. AIDS2018 is a biennial conference and the world’s largest conference on HIV.
This is huge, Australia. Every HIV doctor in Aus will be guided to tell people living with HIV that there is ZERO risk of them passing on the virus. #UEQUALSU #UUAIDS2018 #AIDS2018 https://t.co/12AKuhKzoX
— Nic Holas (@nicheholas) July 22, 2018
‘The implications of U=U are highly significant. For so long, being HIV positive has carried stigma, stemming largely from the person with HIV being perceived as a risk to others,’ the guide read.
This will change lives
ASHM said that U=U was an unprecedented opportunity to transform the lives of PLHIV.
‘An understanding of U=U can go a long way to alleviating HIV transmission-related anxiety. It can empower people with HIV to be comfortable in the totality of who they are and have a greater confidence to pursue a full sex life,’ it said.
PLHIV are most likely to approach healthcare professionals with questions about HIV. That’s why the new guide is so important, according to ASHM.
‘Clinicians are likely the first professionals with whom a newly-diagnosed person will be able to safely speak,’ ASHM said.
‘Amidst the understandable fear and concern they may experience, the message of U=U is crucial. This will be particularly so if it gives people with HIV the confidence to disclose their status. It can help substantially address any already existing HIV-related stigma.’
NOW LAUNCHED at @AIDS_conference: As part of the #AIDS2018 Pre-Conference ‘U=U 2018: Celebrate, activate and implement!’ @ASHMMedia release new Australian guidance for health care providers working with people living with #HIV on @UequalsU. Download here: https://t.co/HODWmkg4bo pic.twitter.com/DgNOqu96Ai
— ASHM (@ASHMMedia) July 23, 2018
Zero risk equals zero excuses
HIV peer advocacy and support group, TIM (The Institute of Many) played a critical role in promoting U=U.
‘TIM is incredibly excited to see these new U=U guidelines from ASHM,’ TIM co-founder, Nic Holas, told Gay Star News.
‘Now, every HIV doctor in Australia will be guided to deliver the most up-to-date information to people living with, and at risk of contracting, HIV.
‘TIM believes that zero risk equals zero excuses. It’s incredibly encouraging to know that we have the leading body representing HIV clinicians in our corner.’
Zero risk = zero excuses. Undetectable = Untransmittable means zero risk of HIV. If your organisation isn’t getting this information out to People Living with HIV, you’re not doing your job. #AIDS2018 pic.twitter.com/6l1SPJoPgJ
— Nic Holas (@nicheholas) July 23, 2018
