Setting the Foundation for Ending the Epidemic with Bruce Richman

Bruce Richman is the founding Executive Director of the Prevention Access Campaign and tireless advocate of the Undetectable Equals Untransmittable (U=U) campaign. He joins the show to talk about what exactly the U=U campaign does, and how it pairs with activists and researchers to make sure the correct science reaches the people that would benefit from it the most. He also talks about what breakthroughs took place in the movement, why the United States is one of the most challenging countries so far, and how changing the stigma surrounding HIV and transmission is changing many lives for the better.

TAKEAWAYS:

[2:28] A person living with HIV who is on treatment and has undectable viral load can't transmit HIV through sex partners. An undetectable viral load means less than 200 copies/ml.

[3:35] In the late 1990's, any findings on HIV transmission were widely criticized, with many skeptics finding not enough evidence to trust the research. After 2010, new studies provided breakthrough results: these studies featured 150,000 couples who had sex without condoms, providing a solid evidence base and a staggering amount of scientific evidence.

[6:16] Bruce's background in philanthropy and social justice gave him a foundation on how to use his platform to help inform and educate those who needed it. He was depressed and felt isolated about his own HIV diagnosis, and knew the feeling of hopelessness and not knowing where to turn. When Bruce learned the information from the study, he started taking medication and knew he needed to share the information and focused his energy on putting the groundbreaking science to light to create community awareness and a coalition for others to feel a sense of belonging.

[11:12] Many advocates paved the way for others, using their own courage and bravery, and took the risk to go public with their diagnosis.

[12:57] There have been 98 countries and 1000 partners that have signed on from different organizations. England and France are leading the pack with their creative and innovative campaigns. Hopefully the US will pick up more and find a way beyond the scarcity of resources and inner policy blockages.

[19:16] When advocates get together with policy makers and move things forward, it can help thousands of people overcome the stigma that leads to shame, violence, isolation and possibly even suicide and murder.

[29:31] The U=U campaign serves as a hub for resources, research and solidarity with the vast partners that are pioneering.

RESOURCES:

Prevention Access Campaign

@UequalsU

Bruce Richman

@preventionac

CDC

U.S. Health Department

@DrDemetre

QUOTES:

● "We really did it together."

● "It is surreal how fast this has expanded in such a short period of time."

● "We are seeing a lot of really brilliant national efforts."

● "This gives people one less thing to worry about. This gives them hope."

● "The impact on stigma can't be underscored enough."