01/12/2025
Today on World AIDS Day, I want to acknowledge a cause that means a great deal to me personally and professionally. It’s a day to remember those we’ve lost and to honour the strength and resilience of people living with HIV.
One message I’m proud to amplify is U = U (Undetectable = Untransmittable). When someone is on effective treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass HIV on. This is life-changing science, yet stigma remains one of the biggest barriers people face.
That stigma rooted in fear, misinformation, and outdated beliefs, can impact relationships, mental health, identity, and self-worth. Therapy can offer a safe, non-judgemental space to process shame, build confidence, and explore the emotional impact of living with HIV or supporting someone who does.
Globally, progress shows what’s possible. Countries such as Switzerland, Australia, and the UK have seen significant drops in new HIV transmissions where treatment and education are widely accessible. In areas with over 90% treatment coverage, new infections have fallen to historic lows. These successes remind us that HIV is a public health issue—not a moral one and that with knowledge, compassion, and support, transmission can be prevented.
If you or someone you know needs support, these organisations offer excellent services:
🧡 George House Trust – Emotional support, peer groups, and practical advice for people living with HIV.
❤️ Terrence Higgins Trust – Testing, counselling, sexual health support.
💙 LGBT Foundation – Mental health and wellbeing support for LGBTQ+ communities.
💛 NAM aidsmap – Reliable information on HIV, treatment, and U=U.
Today, we stand together against stigma and celebrate the progress that continues to save lives.
U = U. Stigma has no place here.