Pattern of circles connected by dotted lines, with the letter "u" in two of the circles. Emphasizes the connections created by U=U.

OHTN Endorses the Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U) Consensus Statement

The undetectable = untransmittable (U=U) campaign is an international movement. It unites communities of people living with HIV, community-based agencies, health care providers and leading HIV researchers in support of a clear, evidence-based consensus statement about the power of effective antiretroviral treatment to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.

After examining the scientific evidence, the Ontario HIV Treatment Network endorsed the U=U consensus on May 15, 2017, with the following statement:

The Ontario HIV Treatment Network (OHTN) is funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to inform and support HIV policy and practice decisions in Ontario. The best available research evidence shows that “undetectable = untransmittable” – sexual transmission of HIV does not occur when effective, ongoing antiretroviral treatment (ART) has decreased the virus to undetectable levels (for at least 6 months). Acting on this knowledge will drive good public policy and clinical practice –  encouraging prompt access to testing, treatment and support, as well as dramatically reducing HIV stigma. The OHTN commits to working with public health officials, health care providers, communities affected by HIV, and researchers to develop consistent education messages and pragmatic interventions that support high rates of ART adherence, and high rates of condom use to help to reduce STIs which ART does not address. This proactive and multi-stakeholder approach will optimize the health and well-being of people living with HIV in Ontario, and supports OHTN’s vision of “communities thriving now and beyond HIV.”

pozcast logo substitution a pair of headphones for the o.The growing consensus around U=U is an important milestone in the treatment of HIV – one that is life-changing for many people living with HIV. For more about the impact of U=U within our communities, listen to the recent OHTN/Universities without Walls Undetectable=Untransmittable pozcast.

WordPress Image Lightbox Plugin