A call to action to advance global research priorities related to Undetectable = Untransmittable

The Undetectable = Untransmittable (U = U) message has failed to reach many people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their communities despite evidence of its favourable impacts.

We describe and contextualize six global research priorities related to U = U, which focus on: (1) examining the effects of U = U messaging on health and economic outcomes; (2) illuminating and addressing barriers to U = U communication among healthcare providers, policymakers and other stakeholders; (3) expanding U = U research to include all key populations disproportionately affected by HIV; (4) addressing limited and inequitable access to information and resources; (5) determining how to optimally communicate about U = U in the context of evolving scientific knowledge and guidelines; and (6) collaborating on parallel studies across countries to improve comparability of study findings and identify cross-cultural differences.

Future research targeting these six priorities is needed to guide effective messaging about U = U in healthcare settings and public health programmes throughout the world. Ultimately, bridging existing gaps in U = U awareness, understanding and acceptance can enable PLHIV and others to reap the benefits associated with this valuable message.