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What Does U=U Mean?

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is committed to educating the public about HIV and reducing the stigma surrounding the virus. Sharing the following messages of U=U is part of a strategy to break down HIV stigma, provide hope, improve the lives of people living with HIV, and move closer to Ending the HIV Epidemic (ETE) in North Carolina, the United States, and the World.

What is U=U?

U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. It is a simple yet powerful message that conveys the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in preventing the transmission of HIV. ART works by reducing the amount of virus in a person’s blood, known as the viral load, to undetectable levels. When a person’s viral load is undetectable, they are considered to have an “undetectable” status.

Why is U=U important?

U=U is important because it helps to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV. For too long, people living with HIV have been marginalized and discriminated against. U=U helps to reduce the stigma and fear associated with HIV by providing a clear and concise message about the realities of living with HIV. By promoting the message of U=U, we are empowering individuals living with HIV to take control of their health and to live full, productive lives without fear of transmitting the virus to others.

What does U=U mean for people living with HIV in North Carolina?

For people living with HIV in North Carolina, U=U means that they can take control of their health and live full, productive lives without fear of transmitting the virus to others. It also means that they can have intimate relationships and engage in sexual activity without fear of transmitting the virus. The message of U=U is empowering and helps to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV.

How can I support U=U?

There are several ways to support U=U:

1. Spread the word: Share information about U=U with your friends, family and community included these social media graphics and messages.
2. Get tested: Knowing your status is the first step in preventing the spread of HIV.
3. Talk to your healthcare provider: If you are living with HIV, make sure you are receiving regular care and treatment to maintain an undetectable viral load.
4. Advocate: Advocate for the rights of people living with HIV and work to end HIV stigma and discrimination.
5. Participate: Participate in events and campaigns that promote the U=U message.

Social Media Toolkits

NCDHHS is committed to promoting the message of U=U and to educating the public about the importance of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in preventing the transmission of HIV. Our goal is to create a community of support and empowerment for people living with HIV, and to dispel the myths and fears that have long surrounded this virus. With U=U, we can work together to create a brighter future for everyone affected by HIV. By working together, we can empower individuals living with HIV and reduce the stigma surrounding the virus so share the following social media message and graphics with your online networks, using the hashtags: #UequalsU, #NCUequalsU, #CantFindItCantShareIt, #ItsTrueUequalsU, #UnstoppablyU, #NCDHHS.

Sample Social Media Messages

Sample Facebook/Instagram/Twitter Messages and Graphics

English

U=U stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable. It is a simple yet powerful message. If you have HIV, having an undetectable viral load level means that the amount of HIV in your blood is so low it can’t be measured. People with HIV who take HIV medicine as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load will not transmit HIV to their sex partners. Learn more: https://bit.ly/ncuequalsu #UequalsU #NCUequalsU #CantFindItCantShareIt

Spanish

I=I significa Indetectable = Intransmisible. Es un mensaje simple pero poderoso. Si usted tiene el VIH y el nivel de su carga viral es indetectable, eso significa que la cantidad de VIH en su sangre es tan baja que no puede medirse. Las personas con el VIH que toman los medicamentos según las indicaciones, y que logran y mantienen un nivel de carga viral indetectable, no tienen efectivamente ningún riesgo de transmitirles el virus a sus parejas sexuales. Aprende más: https://bit.ly/ncuequalsu #UequalsU #NCUequalsU #CantFindItCantShareIt #iesigualai