Positive Women Inc. Welcomes Aotearoa New Zealand’s Commitment To U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable)

Positive Women Inc. NZ welcomes today’s announcement that Aotearoa New Zealand has signed the global Call-to-Action on Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U), marking a significant step forward in Aotearoa New Zealand’s response to HIV.

U=U is a clear, evidence-based principle: when a person living with HIV is on effective HIV treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load (the amount of virus in the blood), they cannot transmit HIV sexually, nor from mother to baby during pregnancy.

Positive Women Inc. NZ says the Government’s endorsement is deeply meaningful for people living with HIV, particularly women, who continue to experience high levels of stigma, fear, and misinformation.

“U=U is not just a medical fact, it is a stigma-breaking message that changes lives,” says Bruning, National Coordinator at Positive Women Inc. NZ. “For people living with HIV, stigma can affect every part of life: relationships, parenting, healthcare, employment, and personal safety. Public commitment to U=U helps create the conditions for dignity, confidence, and wellbeing.”

Positive Women Inc. NZ also acknowledges the leadership of people living with HIV and community organisations, such as Toitū te Ao, Burnett Foundation Aotearoa, and Body Positive, as well as the many allies in the health sector, who have advocated for this commitment for many years.

“This is a milestone shaped by the persistence and courage of people with lived experience,” says Bruning.

“We commend the advocacy that has brought us here, and we also know that signing a commitment must be matched by action.”

Positive Women Inc. NZ is calling for U=U to be embedded across the health system and public education in ways which are meaningful, equitable, and accessible. This includes:

• Ensuring all health professionals are trained and confident in communicating U=U

• Public campaigns that reduce stigma and correct misinformation • Stronger protections against discrimination for people living with HIV

• Access to HIV testing, treatment, and support for all communities — including women, Māori, Pacific peoples, migrants, refugees, and rural communities.

• Resourcing for community-led organisations who are trusted messengers of U=U

While Aotearoa New Zealand has made strong progress in treatment access and viral suppression, stigma remains a serious barrier, particularly for women, who may face compounded stigma related to gender, family expectations, cultural pressures, and fear of violence or rejection.

“U=U gives people living with HIV the freedom to live without fear,” says Bruning “But that freedom only becomes real when society understands the science, and when people are treated with respect in every setting, especially healthcare.”

Positive Women Inc. NZ looks forward to working alongside the Ministry of Health and community partners to ensure U=U is widely understood and reflected in policy, practice, and everyday conversations.

Positive Women Inc. is an organisation providing support to women and families living with HIV and aims to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS in the community through educational programmes with a focus on prevention and de stigmatisation.

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