As part of the fight against HIV in Venezuela, the “i=i” (Undetectable = Untransmittable) campaign has emerged as one of the most effective strategies for reducing transmission of the virus. This effort, led by our organization, has helped educate, inform, and destigmatize HIV in the country, changing the way society understands the disease and, in particular, the impact of an undetectable viral load on preventing its transmission.
The Implementation of i=i in Venezuela: Active Leadership
Our organization has been a pioneer in introducing, implementing, and sustaining the i=i campaign in Venezuela. As leaders in this initiative, we have worked to ensure that this information is disseminated nationwide, reaching vulnerable communities and the healthcare system, with the goal of reducing stigma and providing information based on scientific evidence. This has been achieved through information sessions, social media campaigns, training for healthcare workers, and partnerships with other local and international organizations that share the vision of a world where HIV is not a reason for exclusion.
The Impact of i=i on Prevention and Education
The i=i strategy has proven to be a powerful tool in combating HIV transmission. Not only has it empowered people living with the virus by letting them know they can lead full lives without fear of transmitting it, but it has also shifted the public health discourse surrounding HIV. In Venezuela, this campaign has led to greater social acceptance of people living with the virus, reducing stigma and creating a space for them to speak openly about their condition and treatment.
The origin of the initiative: a response to a lack of knowledge
The motivation to launch this campaign in Venezuela stemmed from a confidential, voluntary survey of 200 patients in the infectious diseases unit at Vargas Hospital in Caracas. The results revealed a significant knowledge gap regarding the i=i concept.
He claimed not to know the meaning of the formula i=i
I thought that a person with HIV, even while on consistent treatment, could transmit the virus through sexual contact.
He stated that he had never heard the expression “undetectable equals untransmittable”
After explaining the concept and the scientific evidence showing that a person with an undetectable viral load does not transmit HIV through sexual intercourse:
's participants accepted this evidence.
They were later asked whether they believed that a person with an undetectable viral load could have children through traditional methods:
Now that it has been established that, by following treatment correctly and maintaining an undetectable viral load, a person with HIV can have healthy children:
Finally, in response to the question of whether the concept of i=i would help eliminate stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV:
This alarming lack of information highlighted the need to launch an awareness campaign aimed at educating the public and raising awareness about this issue.
That is why we decided to launch a comprehensive campaign that would not only explain the i=i concept but also help reduce the stigma associated with HIV and promote an approach based on science and empathy.
The i=i logo: A design with meaning
The campaign logo was created using the golden ratio, a design principle that follows the Fibonacci sequence to achieve visual harmony. This technique allowed for the creation of a symmetrical design, balancing the design elements in an aesthetically pleasing and proportional way. The idea behind this logo was not only to create something visually appealing, but also to convey the harmony and balance that i=i seeks to bring to the lives of people living with HIV, showing that they can lead healthy, fulfilling lives free from stigma.
With the goal of expanding the reach of the i=i message and reaching a wider audience, Once Trece a comprehensive communications campaign that included the free distribution of personalized apparel, printed materials, and the dissemination of multimedia messages. These strategies were carefully selected to ensure that the campaign’s key message reached diverse groups in an effective and impactful way. The distribution of these materials was essential for the community to learn about, understand, and adopt the i=i message, and it was carried out in the following ways
Informational flyers for HIV outreach events and clinics
10,000 flyers were printed with a brief and direct message about i=i, designed to be distributed at street outreach events and at HIV clinics run by doctors who are part of the Once Trece network. These flyers were intended to quickly and effectively educate people about the importance of achieving an undetectable viral load and its impact on HIV prevention, enabling widespread dissemination of the message across various social contexts.
Posters for strategic visibility in the community
As a central component of the campaign, 1,500 posters were printed with a short, direct message about i=i. These posters were designed to capture the attention of diverse audiences in multiple settings and were strategically placed in key locations, such as pharmacies dispensing antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV clinics staffed by doctors from the Once Trece network, making the i=i message accessible to people from diverse communities.
T-shirts as a Symbol of Identity and Support
As part of the i=i campaign, 2,500 high-quality cotton T-shirts were produced and distributed, each featuring the distinctive i=i logo. To maximize the message’s impact and ensure its resonance, different T-shirt styles and collections were created, tailored to specific seasons and events. Each collection reflected the spirit and purpose of the event for which it was designed.
Sublimation-printed drawstring backpacks to promote the message at events and workshops
As part of the visual communication effort, 800 nylon backpacks were sublimation-printed with the i=i logo for distribution during Once Trece’s workshops and events. These backpacks were distributed to the general public as well as to doctors and campaign organizers, serving as a practical and visible tool to carry the campaign’s message to every corner where awareness and prevention activities were taking place.
Educational videos and a social media presence to connect with a young audience
Throughout its history, Once Trece produced more than 400 videos covering a wide range of topics, including documentaries, interviews, and both serious and humorous content focused on social and health issues. In particular, videos related to HIV and the i=i message have been a key tool for connecting with young audiences and effectively and accessibly spreading crucial messages about prevention, treatment, and destigmatization. Currently, the organization’s YouTube channel has over 2,900 subscribers and hosts more than 90 videos, allowing its educational and documentary content to reach a global audience. On Instagram, the organization has built a community with over 25,000 followers and 1,690 posts, through which it shares awareness campaigns and relevant educational material that strengthens its mission to reduce the stigma associated with HIV.
Suena La VIHda”: A concert to raise awareness and celebrate the fight against HIV
As part of the commemoration of World AIDS Day, Once Trece theSuena La VIHdaconcert since 2021—an event that combines music, culture, and activism. During these concerts, musicians proudly wear the Once Trece T-shirt, symbolizing their support for the cause. In addition, videos promoting the i=i message are shown, ensuring that the audience not only enjoys the music but also gains a deeper understanding of HIV prevention and treatment. This event has been key to raising awareness and building a community united in the fight against stigma and discrimination toward people living with HIV.
M=M: Bringing the message of i=i to the Warao indigenous people of the Orinoco Delta
While all of these strategies from the i=i campaign had a significant impact in areas with greater access to information and resources, it was essential to reach populations facing additional barriers, such as the Warao indigenous people of the Orinoco Delta. In this region, unique challenges—such as language, remoteness, and lack of access to regular health services—make it difficult to convey key information about HIV and its prevention.
The Warao people face alarming rates of HIV infection, a situation exacerbated by the language barrier and limited access to treatment and education about the virus. In this context, the need arose to adapt the campaign to the Warao’s reality, respecting their customs and language. Thus was born the “M=M” campaign, which stands for “Minaka Oreku Ori Majanaka,” translated into English as “Undetectable = Untransmittable.”
The Warao community, which lives primarily in the Orinoco Delta, has seen a significant increase in HIV infection rates in recent years. This is due, in part, to a lack of access to adequate information, treatment, and diagnostic testing. Recent studies have shown that HIV prevalence among the indigenous population is considerably higher compared to other communities in Venezuela, making prevention and education fundamental pillars for addressing this public health crisis.
The M=M campaign was specifically designed to overcome the language barrier and cultural differences between the Warao people and the rest of the country. By carefully adapting the i=i message into the Warao language, the campaign successfully conveyed the importance of maintaining an undetectable viral load to prevent HIV transmission. The translation of “Undetectable = Untransmittable” to “Minaka Oreku Ori Majanaka” allowed the campaign to reach the community directly, using their own language and creating educational materials that resonated with their culture and way of life.
This culturally sensitive approach not only helped spread the message of prevention but also contributed to reducing stigma and improving understanding of the importance of antiretroviral treatment among the Warao. The strategies included community workshops, visual educational materials, and informational talks tailored to the needs and realities of the indigenous population.
Both the i=i campaign and its adaptation, M=M, reflect Once Trece ’s commitment Once Trece the fight against HIV, addressing prevention and education in diverse and challenging contexts. From distributing printed materials and textiles to creating multimedia content and disseminating scientific information, every step of these campaigns has aimed to change perceptions about HIV, promote treatment adherence, and, most importantly, reduce the stigma affecting people living with the virus.
The success of the i=i campaign in urban and underserved areas, along with the adaptation of M=M for the Warao population, has allowed a message of hope and science to reach every corner of Venezuela. In this way, we have made progress toward our mission to educate, support, and eliminate barriers so that all people living with HIV, regardless of their background, can lead fulfilling lives free from discrimination.