Groundbreaking, game-changer, revolutionary. These words have all been used to describe the discovery that undetectable HIV is sexually untransmittable. But what good is groundbreaking science if people don’t know about it? Bruce Richman, the driving force behind U=U, describes how the once-unpopular campaign gained critical mass.
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CATIE’s statement and ongoing advocacy and education have paved the way for other organizations in Canada and abroad to embrace the message. These organizations now recognize that U=U must be a headline, not an asterisk. This builds on the years of work of Julio Montaner, director of the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, and colleagues promoting HIV treatment as prevention in Canada and internationally.
Canadian organizations are engaging in open and challenging dialogue to explore the complex issues related to U=U-such as the social determinants of health, the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure and women’s reproductive health. U=U is a leading topic at Canadian HIV and sexual health conferences that set the priorities for the field and at conferences led by and for people living with HIV throughout the country.
Every time I’ve gone back to Canada, I’m moved and inspired by the trailblazing work of our Canadian partners.