Global Media Coverage of PARTNER2 / U=U Published in The Lancet

CNN: “The risk of passing on the HIV virus is completely eliminated by effective drugs treatment, a landmark study has shown, in a significant boost to the prospects of ending the AIDS pandemic. A study of nearly 1,000 gay male couples, where one partner with HIV took antiretroviral therapy (ART), found no new cases of transmission to the HIV-negative partner during sex without a condom. If everyone in the world with HIV knew their status and had access to effective treatment, no new cases would occur, the study suggests.

The Guardian: “Prof Alison Rodger from University College London, the co-leader of the paper published in the Lancet medical journal… added: “Our findings provide conclusive evidence for gay men that the risk of HIV transmission with suppressive ART [antiretroviral therapy] is zero. Our findings support the message of the international U=U campaign that an undetectable viral load makes HIV untransmittable…

Bruce Richman, the founding executive director of the Prevention Access Campaign, which launched U=U, said PAC was tremendously grateful to the researchers and participants. He said the study “has forever changed what it means to live and love with HIV around the world.” ​

Finanical Times: “The effectiveness of HIV medication means that many people with the virus are already living lives at least as long as peers who do not suffer from it, a sharp medical and societal shift from the era in which it was seen as a near-certain death sentence. Alison Rodger, a professor at University College London who co-led the research, said: “Our findings provide conclusive evidence for gay men that the risk of HIV transmission with suppressive ART [antiretroviral therapy] is zero.” She added: “This powerful message can help end the HIV pandemic by preventing HIV transmission, and tackling the stigma and discrimination that many people with HIV face. Increased efforts must now focus on wider dissemination of this powerful message and ensuring that all HIV-positive people have access to testing, effective treatment, adherence support and linkage to care.”

For a PDF of additional news coverage, click here.