Ten years of the "Undetectable equals Non-transferable" campaign

May 13, 2026

On the third Sunday in May, the world traditionally remembers people who died of AIDS. However, this day is not only about memory, but also a reminder of what makes it possible to save lives today. Over the past decade, the principle of "N = N" has become such a breakthrough — undetectable means not transmitting.

Thus, 1,169 people are living with HIV in the Akmola region. Of these, 99% receive antiretroviral therapy, which indicates a high level of treatment coverage and patient commitment. 92% of those who have been on therapy for more than three months have an undetectable viral load. This was announced by the medical staff of the Regional HIV Prevention Center at a briefing in the Regional Communications Service, which was held on May 12.

This means the main thing: in this condition, a person does not transmit the virus sexually. This position is not an assumption, but a scientifically proven fact. Back in the early 2000s, studies in Uganda showed a link between the level of viral load and the risk of transmission of the virus. Later, the findings were confirmed by the international projects HPTN-052 and PARTNER, which involved thousands of couples in different countries. In 2016, scientists and activists shaped this knowledge into a clear and understandable statement — "Undetectable means not transmitting" ("Undetectable = Untransmittable"), which is now recognized worldwide.

"If the viral load remains undetectable, HIV is not sexually transmitted — this is an internationally recognized fact," says Nurlan Akhilbekov, chief physician of the Akmola Regional HIV Prevention Center. — Today, therapy for our patients is fully provided by the state. A team of specialists — an infectious disease specialist, a nurse and a psychologist - works with patients. Their task is not only to prescribe treatment, but also to help a person accept the diagnosis and maintain adherence to therapy.

According to Sandugash Burmaganova, head of the center's treatment and prevention department, modern medicine allows people living with HIV to lead a full and fulfilling life — to work, build relationships, and create families. But despite this, myths and fears still persist around the disease. Many people still don't know about the N=N principle or don't trust it.

This is where the paradox arises: scientific progress is outstripping public perception. Fear and stigma still prevent people from getting tested or starting treatment on time.

At the same time, experts pay attention to the other side of the issue. The H=H principle works only under one condition — regular therapy and medical monitoring. Violation of the treatment regimen can lead to an increase in the viral load and return the risk of transmission of the virus. In addition, the failure of barrier protection increases the likelihood of other sexually transmitted infections.

The World Day of Remembrance of People who Died of AIDS is an occasion not only to honor the memory of those whose lives were claimed by the disease, but also to rethink: HIV is not a sentence. Today, almost a decade after the scientific confirmation of the N=N principle, it is important to convey this information to everyone.

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