NO HIV STIGMA

Science has demonstrated a clear link between viral load and HIV transmission risk. In 2008 Swiss scientists published the so-called Swiss Statement. According to that statement a person with HIV cannot transmit the virus to others if their viral load is consistently below the detection limit, thanks to successful therapy. Since then, more detailed and multi-center studies have been carried out. They also clearly demonstrate that HIV is not sexually transmissible when the viral load of a person with HIV is below the then detection limit.

Thus, the consequence of HIV infection has changed from the fatal AIDS disease to a chronic manageable infection. Like many other infections, it can be effectively treated. Thus, those affected can lead a normal life. With HIV one can form relationships, have healthy babies, run a marathon, have dizzying careers, grow old and retire - almost as if they one did not have HIV. However, the general population is unaware that people cannot become infected through sex with a person with HIV who is successfully on therapy.