Merck Survey Highlights HIV Knowledge Gaps

HIV Misinformation Persists Among Millennials, African Americans

New options for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDs in recent years have not erased lingering stigmas and misinformation about the disease, especially among younger black communities in the US. Advocates hope that greater awareness of “U=U,” or “undetectable equals untransmittable,” can help to address ongoing discrimination and disparities.

Digital illustration of HIV Virus in Blood Stream in color background
• Source: Shutterstock

Survey data collected as part of Merck & Co., Inc.'s ongoing “Owning HIV” campaign revealed a significant prevalence of serophobia – an aversion to or fear of people with HIV – in the US adult population. However, the Prevention Access Campaign’s undetectable equals untransmittable (U=U) messaging is making inroads among physicians, public health officials and advocates in the HIV/AIDS community around the world.

HIV/AIDS-related disparities and stigma among younger individuals identifying as black or African American persist, according to the Merck survey data. For example, 53% of African American women living with HIV reported losing the option to have children, via permanent birth control, due to their HIV diagnosis. Twenty-two percent of HIV-negative African Americans reported a fearfulness of being tested for HIV, due to the judgement that could come along with a positive result

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