In the context of the fight against HIV in Venezuela, the “i=i” (U=U or Undetectable = Untransmittable) campaign has positioned itself as one of the most effective strategies to reduce the transmission of the virus. This effort, led by our organization, has made it possible to educate, inform and destigmatize HIV in the country, changing the way society understands the disease and, in particular, the impact of the undetectable viral load in the prevention of its transmission.
The Implementation of i=i in Venezuela: An Active Leadership
Our organization has been a pioneer in the introduction, implementation, and maintenance of 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 health system, with the aim of reducing stigma and providing information based on scientific evidence. This has been carried out through information days, social media campaigns, training for health personnel, and alliances 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, letting them know that they can lead a full life without fear of transmitting it, but it has also changed the public health discourse around HIV. In Venezuela, this campaign has achieved 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 the lack of knowledge
The motivation to develop this campaign in Venezuela arose from a confidential and voluntary survey conducted with 200 patients in the infectious disease service of the 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 believed that a person with HIV, even when undergoing sustained treatment, could transmit the virus through sexual contact.
He claimed to have never heard the expression “undetectable equals untransmittable.”
After explaining the concept and scientific evidence showing that a person with an undetectable viral load does not transmit HIV through sexual relations:
They accepted
this evidence.
They were later asked if they thought a person with an undetectable viral load could have children by traditional methods:
Once it is clarified that, by following the treatment correctly and maintaining an undetectable viral load , a person with HIV can have healthy children:
Finally, to the question of whether knowledge of i=i would help eliminate stigma and discrimination towards people living with HIV:
This worrying lack of information highlighted the need to launch an awareness campaign, the aim of which would be to educate and raise awareness among the population about this reality.
This is how we decided to launch a comprehensive campaign that would not only explain the i=i concept, but would 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 system that follows the Fibonacci sequence to achieve visual harmony. This technique allowed for the creation of symmetrical art, aesthetically and proportionally balancing the design elements. 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 live healthy, full and stigma-free lives.
With the aim of broadening the reach of the i=iy message and reaching a wider audience, Once Trece A comprehensive communications campaign was designed, including the free distribution of personalized textiles, printed materials, and multimedia messages. These strategies were carefully selected to ensure that the campaign's key message reached diverse groups effectively and resonantly. The distribution of materials was essential for the community to learn about, understand, and embrace the i=i message, and it was carried out in the following ways.
Information flyers for HIV days and consultations
10,000 flyers were printed with a short and direct message about i=i, designed to be distributed during street outreach days and at HIV clinics of doctors who are part of the network of Once Trece These flyers aimed to educate quickly and effectively about the importance of achieving an undetectable viral load and its impact on HIV prevention, allowing for widespread dissemination of the message in different social contexts.
Posters for strategic visibility in the community
As a central component of the campaign, 1,500 posters were printed with a short and 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 Treatment (ART) and HIV clinics staffed by physicians in the network. Once Trece , 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 decorated with the distinctive i=i logo. To maximise the impact of the message and ensure its resonance, different models and collections of T-shirts were created, tailored to different seasons and specific events. Each collection reflected the spirit and purpose of the event for which it was designed.
Sublimated drawstring backpacks to promote the message at events and conferences
As part of the visual communication effort, 800 nylon backpacks were sublimated with the i=i logo for distribution during the conferences and events of Once Trece These backpacks were given to the general public as well as to doctors and campaign organizers, becoming a practical and visible resource to carry the campaign's message to all corners where awareness and prevention activities were taking place.
Educational videos and social media presence to connect with young audiences
Throughout its history, Once Trece It has produced over 400 videos covering a variety 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 fundamental tool for connecting with young audiences and effectively and accessibly disseminating 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 materials that reinforce 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 organizes the concert « Suena La VIHda ", an event that combines music and activism since 2021. During these concerts, the musicians proudly wear the flannel of Once Trece symbolizing their support for the cause. Additionally, videos with 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 in raising awareness and building a community united in the fight against stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
M=M: Carrying the message of i=ia to the indigenous Warao population of the Orinoco Delta
While all of these i=i campaign strategies had a significant impact in areas with greater access to information and resources, it was critical to reach populations with additional barriers, such as the Warao indigenous population of the Orinoco Delta. In this region, unique challenges are identified, such as language, remoteness, and lack of access to regular health services, which make it difficult to transmit key information about HIV and its prevention.
The Warao population faces worrying rates of HIV infection, a situation aggravated 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 reality of the Warao, respecting their customs and language. Thus was born the campaign “M=M”, which stands for “Minaka Oreku Ori Majanaka”, translated into Spanish as “Undetectable = Untransmittable”.
The Warao community, which lives mainly in the Orinoco Delta, has experienced a significant increase in HIV infection rates in recent years. This is due, in part, to the lack of access to adequate information, treatments and diagnostic tests. Recent studies have shown that HIV prevalence in the indigenous population is considerably higher compared to other communities in Venezuela, making prevention and education fundamental pillars to address this public health crisis.
The M=M campaign was specifically designed to overcome the language barrier and cultural differences that exist between the Warao population and the rest of the country. By carefully adapting the i=i message to the Warao language, the importance of maintaining an undetectable viral load to prevent HIV transmission was effectively conveyed. The translation of “Undetectable = Untransmittable” into “Minaka Oreku Ori Majanaka” allowed the campaign to be taken directly to the community, 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 prevention message, but also helped reduce stigma and improve understanding of the importance of antiretroviral treatment among the Warao. 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 M=M adaptation reflect the commitment of Once Trece in the fight against HIV, addressing prevention and education in diverse and challenging contexts. From the distribution of printed and textile materials to the creation of multimedia content and the dissemination of scientific information, every step of these campaigns has aimed to change perceptions about HIV, promote adherence to treatment, and, most importantly, reduce the stigma affecting people living with the virus.
The success of the i=i campaign in urban and access areas, together with the adaptation of M=M for the Warao population, has allowed a message of hope and science to reach every corner of Venezuela. Thus, we have managed to advance in our mission to educate, support and eliminate barriers so that all people living with HIV, regardless of their origin, can live full lives free of discrimination.