Background Information
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, “Undetectable = Untransmittable” is part of a global health promotion effort that shares the key scientific finding that when someone with HIV has an undetectable viral load (the amount of HIV in their blood), they cannot pass the virus to a sexual partner. More specifically, when someone living with HIV is taking their medication consistently and keeps their viral load below 200 copies/ml, they cannot pass the virus to a sexual partner. Viral load is typically checked every 4–6 months to ensure it remains at this level.
For healthcare providers, understanding and clearly explaining these proven benefits of HIV treatment can help more people start and stay on treatment, prevent new HIV transmissions, and combat stigma.
For more information, please visit: Preventing HIV Transmission: Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U): Communication Tips for Health Professionals, (Public Health Agency of Canada, December 2023).