Role of viral suppression in HIV treatment and prevention and its potential in addressing harmful laws and discrimination
This article documents key moments in research and WHO policies that have informed how ART is applied within HIV programs, including as a prevention tool with the potential to support efforts to address HIV-related discrimination. In 2023, WHO continues to clarify that there is zero risk of sexual HIV transmission when a person living with HIV has an undetectable viral load and an almost zero or negligible risk of sexual transmission when a person living with HIV has a viral load of ≤1000 copies/mL.
Sexual transmission of HIV according to viral load and antiretroviral therapy: systematic review and meta-analysis
Review and meta-analysis of 11 articles found no HIV transmission among heterosexual discordant couples when the positive patient was treated with ART and had a viral load below 400 copies (with data compatible with one transmission per 79 years).