Burnett Foundation Aotearoa Welcomes The Government’s Decision On U=U

Associate Health Minister Doocey’s decision to sign the
U=U declaration today is a critical step on the road towards
zero locally acquired HIV transmissions in Aotearoa New
Zealand.

U = U stands for Undetectable =
Untransmittable (U=U). It means that a person living with
HIV who is on effective treatment and maintains an
undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to sexual
partner(s).

“The U=U message helps increase testing,
treatment adherence, and viral suppression rates, but most
importantly, it increases the confidence and dignity of
people living with HIV. It’s proof that science and
compassion walk hand in hand,” says Liz Gibbs, CEO of
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa.

This decision makes New
Zealand the 5th country to sign the multinational U=U Call
to Action, behind Australia, Canada, the USA, and
Vietnam.

“Currently people living with HIV may face
prosecution under the Crimes Act for HIV non-disclosure to
their sexual partners (unless they are using a condom), even
if they are on treatment with an undetectable viral load and
therefore pose zero risk of transmission. With the
Government’s official endorsement of U=U, it gives the
Police, Courts and government departments the backing
required to modernise outdated guidelines and policies, so
they are in-keeping with the latest science.” says
Gibbs.

This is a significant step forward that many
across the HIV and sexual health community have been
advocating for several years, and we are thrilled to see it
finally come to
pass.

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