Pozhet is pleased to introduce the full series of videos exploring the lived experiences of Pozhet clients. The videos address the stigma and discrimination perpetuated by the general community.
The series unpacks issues that are topical for heterosexual people living with HIV; the relaxed Q & A format of the interviews allows Pozhet clients to share their experiences organically, often in a jovial manner.
We would like to extend our gratitude to our key partners, Multicultural HIV & Hepatitis Services (MHAHS) and Positive Life NSW for the ongoing valuable insights and guidance during the planning & development phase.

Normalising HIV testing supports reducing the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV.

Efforts to combat HIV-related stigma are paramount, directly impacting the effectiveness of HIV prevention, testing, and treatment initiatives. Recent findings from the HIV Futures study reveal that over half of participants living with HIV reported experiences of stigma or discrimination within the past year, with 38% feeling discriminated against by healthcare workers due to their HIV status.

Everyone has the role to play in reducing HIV related stigma and discrimination.

What does undetectable viral load mean?
HIV medication (antiretroviral treatment, or ART) works by reducing the amount of HIV virus in the blood to undetectable levels. This means the levels of HIV are so low that the HIV virus is under a certain minimum level measured by a viral load test. This is called having an undetectable viral load or being undetectable. It can take up to six months for some people to become undetectable from when they start treatment. The majority of people who take their treatment as prescribed become undetectable. Most people living with HIV have a regular viral load test.

 

If someone is undetectable can they pass on HIV?
Medical evidence shows us that if you are undetectable you cannot pass on HIV to sexual partners. Studies demonstrate that HIV medication and being undetectable greatly reduces the risk of HIV transmission through sharing injecting equipment. However, we don’t have enough evidence to establish that people with an undetectable HIV viral load cannot transmit HIV through needle sharing.

 

If someone is undetectable will they still test positive for HIV?
People with an undetectable viral load will still test positive for HIV. However, as long as they take HIV medication they can have another test which indicates how much virus is in their blood and whether they have an undetectable viral load.

 

If someone with HIV kisses me or licks me will I get HIV?
No, HIV cannot be transmitted by saliva whether or not the person is taking HIV treatments. Most daily activities pose no risk of HIV transmission. Only certain body fluids can spread HIV — blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and to a much less degree breast milk. It can’t be transmitted via saliva, sweat, skin, or urine.

Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service  https://www.mhahs.org.au/
Positive Life NSW  https://www.positivelife.org.au/
Bobby Goldsmith Foundation https://www.bgf.org.au/
ACON https://www.acon.org.au/