U=U University

The purpose of U=U University is to educate and empower participants with the latest evidence-based knowledge and practical skills to effectively communicate the message that people living with HIV who are on treatment and have an undetectable viral load have zero risk of passing on HIV to sexual partners.

By equipping participants with a comprehensive understanding of U=U and effective strategies to use U=U as an intervention, this curriculum aims to reduce stigma, promote HIV treatment and prevention, and improve the quality of care and support provided to individuals living with HIV. Individuals and organizations who participate in U=U University can play a critical role in disseminating accurate information about U=U, optimizing HIV treatment to reach U=U, transforming the quality of life for people living with HIV, and accelerating the end of AIDS as a public health threat.

The global need for U=U University

Despite the significant evidence supporting its multi-level benefits, U=U has yet to reach its full potential as an HIV intervention. Some of the reasons for this include:

• • There is a lack of awareness and education about U=U among priority populations, health workers, and the general public.
  • A limited understanding of implementing U=U as an intervention and its benefits.
  • There is a lack of resources, specifically funding and technical expertise, to implement, scale, monitor, and evaluate U=U at individual, community, and population levels to support efforts to achieve HIV targets.
  • In some settings, people are unwilling to share the U=U message because of stigma and judgmental views.

A transformative partnership between Prevention Access Campaign (PAC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Division of Global HIV and TB PEPFAR program aims to address some of these challenges with the July 2024 release of “Implementing and Scaling-Up Undetectable=Untransmittable: A Resource Guide.” This comprehensive resource is designed to build an understanding of U=U gradually, situate it within the science, effectively communicate its core message, develop a strategic plan, and implement activities while monitoring and evaluating these effects. Resources, tools, country examples, and essential messages support each section.

U=U University will build upon the guide’s contents and transform them into targeted, engaging, and behavior-changing virtual and in-person training for diverse audiences. U=U University will raise awareness about the U=U message among healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public by developing and disseminating educational materials, webinars, and workshops. U=U University will offer a Training of Trainers (ToT) Program designed to increase and build the capacity of trainers to train other individuals in their communities and organizations.

PAC and the CDC are collaborating with AIDS United, the Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+), the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (IAPAC), and TechChange to maximize U=U University’s global reach and impact. PAC is also developing national and regional partnerships to adapt U=U University to country-and regional-specific contexts and strategies, such as the United States End the HIV Epidemic targets.

• • July 2024 AIDS 2024: Launch of U=U University preliminary in-person training modules for global participants.
  • September 2024 USCHA: Launch of U=U University preliminary in-person training modules for US participants.
  • March 2025: Partnership launch of in-person and synchronous online U=U University core curriculum.
  • April 2025: Launch of self-guided online U=U University core curriculum.
  • April 2025: Launch of in-person and synchronous online U=U University win-win advocacy curriculum.