Living with HIV is a fact, not a problem.
On World AIDS Day, Melanie, Yannick and Gleisson show how they live with HIV: uncompromisingly. Because they know: thanks to their HIV therapy, the virus cannot be transmitted.
People with HIV who are undergoing effective treatment cannot transmit the virus – even during unprotected sex. However, prejudices and ignorance still weigh heavily on many people living with HIV. HIV is a fact, not a problem. The real problem is the discrimination that people with HIV still face in 2024.
A representative survey shows that 56% of the Swiss population doesn't know that people with HIV, who are on effective treatment, cannot transmit the virus during unprotected sex. Furthermore, 76% of Swiss people say they would not want to have a sexual relationship with someone living with HIV. Shocking!
That’s why Melanie, Yannick, and Gleisson show: Life with HIV is a life full of possibilities!
Yannick, 23
The globetrotter Yannick has been living with HIV for almost 2 years: "Parties, beaches, travels, and sex dates: everything is possible without worries. With HIV!"
Here you will find Yannick's stories and an interview about his commitment.
Melanie, 31
Freshly in love: Melanie has been living with HIV for 31 years: "I have lived with HIV since birth and am in a happy relationship for the second time. Living with HIV is a fact, not a problem."
Gleisson, 32
Gleisson studies sociology and has been living with HIV for 9 years: "Thanks to the therapy, I can fully focus on my studies. That's it!"
Here you will find Gleisson's stories and a portrait of his commitment.
World AIDS Day, which has been observed on December 1st for over 30 years, remembers those who have died from the consequences of HIV/AIDS and stands in solidarity with the more than 17,000 people in Switzerland living with HIV. Learn more about the medical, legal, and social aspects of HIV on the knowledge page of aids.ch.
U=U: protection through treatment
HIV drugs prevent the virus from replicating in the body of a person with HIV. With effective treatment, HIV is no longer detectable in the blood after some time. This is referred to as a “viral load below the detection limit”. If the virus is undetectable, it is also not transmissible – this is also referred to as undetectable = untransmittable (U=U).