By Lulama kaSozathin
The Eastern Cape AIDS Council is hosting a pivotal workshop on the Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) HIV/AIDS programme this week in East London, aimed at strengthening the region’s commitment to HIV prevention and awareness. Held today until Tuesday 24th January 2024, the workshop is bringing together health professionals, activists, community leaders, and people living with HIV, to discuss the revolutionary U=U message, which states that individuals with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the HIV virus to their partners.
The U=U campaign is a global initiative that empowers people living with HIV to continue their lives without the fear of transmitting the virus. The objectives of the campaign are to reduce the stigma around HIV, promote the importance of treatment adherence, and raise awareness that with proper treatment, HIV-positive individuals can live long, healthy lives without the risk of transmission. By promoting these messages, the campaign seeks to encourage more people to get tested and start antiretroviral therapy (ART) as soon as possible.
The HIV Life Cycle: Key Insights by Ms. Mandisa Dukashe
One of the key highlights of the workshop was a presentation this afternoon on the HIV life cycle by Ms. Mandisa Dukashe from the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC). Dukashe delved deep into the stages of the HIV virus’s life cycle, explaining how the virus enters the body, attaches to CD4 cells, and replicates, ultimately weakening the immune system.
She also explained the critical role of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in suppressing the virus. “ART helps to reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, which means the virus can no longer be passed on to others,” Dukashe stated. “Understanding the life cycle is essential for both those living with HIV and the community at large, as it emphasizes the power of treatment in stopping transmission and leading to improved health outcomes.”
Her detailed explanation of how undetectable viral loads work as a protective measure against HIV transmission provided invaluable knowledge to both healthcare providers and community members present at the workshop. “When people know how the virus behaves and how ART works, they are more likely to stick to their treatment plans and live without fear of transmitting HIV to their loved ones,” Dukashe added.
Participants Reflect on U=U Message
Participants at the workshop were encouraged by the empowering message of U=U, emphasizing its potential to change the narrative surrounding HIV. Many expressed how important it was to have such conversations within their communities.
“It’s crucial that we keep raising awareness about U=U,” said Siyanda Ndlovu, an HIV advocate from Port Elizabeth. “So many people still fear HIV transmission, even with treatment. This workshop has given me hope and renewed confidence in sharing the message of U=U with others.”
A local healthcare worker, praised the workshop for providing a clearer understanding of how ART works to prevent transmission. “I believe this will help change the way healthcare workers approach counseling,” she said. “The knowledge about the HIV life cycle and how ART suppresses the virus is a game changer for both treatment and prevention.”
Looking Ahead
The Eastern Cape AIDS Council’s workshop is a significant step towards advancing the U=U campaign and strengthening HIV prevention efforts in the region. With greater understanding of the virus and its life cycle, coupled with widespread access to ART, participants left with a sense of renewed purpose and commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The workshop also underscored the importance of ongoing education and community engagement in breaking down the stigma that still surrounds HIV. As the U=U message continues to gain traction globally, the Eastern Cape is positioning itself as a region at the forefront of HIV treatment and prevention efforts.
As the discussion around U=U continues to unfold, the hope is that it will empower individuals living with HIV to live free from fear, while fostering an environment of understanding, compassion, and collective action.
