Axis 3: People living with HIV and their partner(s)

Advances in treatment have normalised HIV infection to a significant extent. HIV-positive people who are on therapy do not pass the virus on sexually. They can live a largely normal life.

From the crisis to the Swiss Statement:

The reality of HIV has changed significantly since the first documented cases in 1981. Today, an HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence in the western world. Early access to anti-HIV treatments prevents the occurrence of AIDS and significantly increases the life expectancy of those affected. Thirty years after the identification of AIDS, the HPTN 052 and PARTNER studies have confirmed the declaration made by the Federal Commission for Aids-related Issues (FCAI) in 2008, better known as the Swiss Statement, which indicated that an HIV-positive person on antiretroviral therapy with an undetectable viral load does not transmit the virus in the event of sexual contact without a condom.

Early diagnosis allows early treatment

The Swiss Statement marked a significant turning point in the prevention of HIV and in the life of those affected. People who are HIV-positive with an undetectable viral load no longer have to worry about infecting their sexual partner(s). Mothers in successful antiretroviral therapy do not transmit the virus to their children, and natural procreation is possible.

Knowing one’s HIV status is important. In the event of infection, early diagnosis enables treatment to be commenced rapidly,
which reduces the risk of weakening of the immune system.

HIV prevention also benefits from early diagnosis and rapid treatment. After diagnosis HIV is transmitted significantly less
frequently.

The HIV prevention strategy in Switzerland is based on the principal of individual responsibility (each person is responsible for protecting him/herself) and the principle of learning (each person knows how to protect him/herself).

HIV remains associated with significant social stigma:

Unfortunately, people who are HIV-positive are still discriminated against and stigmatised. Society has difficulty understanding that a person who is diagnosed as HIV-positive and undergoing successful treatment does not transmit HIV sexually. Other forms of social discrimination exist, for example the purchase of life insurance despite the fact that the life expectancy or those who are HIV-positive is today equal to that of those who are HIV-negative.

Documents
Links

HIV is not transmitted under fully suppressive therapy: The Swiss Statement – eight years later (PDF, 459 kB, 29.01.2016)

Swiss Aids Federation

Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS)

Further information

Communicable Diseases Legislation – Epidemics Act, (EpidA)

The Epidemics Act aims to ensure that communicable diseases are detected, monitored, prevented and controlled at an early stage and helps to better manage disease outbreaks with a high risk potential.