(Please note: All names used in this article are fictional to protect the privacy of individuals involved.)

Two days ago, I had the privilege of attending a roundtable discussion with a group of dedicated activists in our community. Though I was running a bit late, I finally arrived and quickly scanned the room for a seat. To my surprise, there was only one empty spot left—right near the stage. I slid into the chair, trying to settle in as smoothly as possible, but I quickly realized that all eyes were on me. It felt a little awkward, especially as I noticed the curious glances from the people sitting across the table.

When I turned to my left and right, I immediately understood why I was drawing so much attention. The person sitting next to me wasn’t just any attendee—he was “Mountain,” an HIV/AIDS activist who had publicly shared his status as an HIV-positive individual. I leaned over with a warm smile and greeted him, “Hi, Mountain! Nice to meet you!” It was my first time meeting him in person, though we had connected multiple times during online meetings.

Mountain is a remarkable figure in our community, advocating tirelessly for people living with HIV. His presence at the table was a powerful reminder of how much work is still needed to combat stigma and discrimination around the virus. Despite advances in treatment, many still carry deep-rooted fears—often stemming not from malice, but from a lack of understanding about the latest medical breakthroughs.

My educational background in health science, combined with my early experience working at a medical center, has shown me that HIV itself is no longer a death sentence. Thanks to modern medicine, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives, and the virus is much less likely to be transmitted. The real danger, however, lies in the stigma—people’s fear of the virus, which too often drives discrimination.

In 2008, the Swiss Federal Commission for AIDS/HIV (EKAF) made a groundbreaking statement that changed the conversation around HIV. The Swiss Statement outlined the conditions under which an HIV-positive person, who is on antiretroviral therapy (ART), can be considered functionally noncontagious. This means that when people living with HIV have a low viral load due to ART, they cannot transmit the virus through the primary modes of transmission: blood, sexual contact, breastfeeding, and so on. Everyday interactions—like sharing a meal or talking with someone—do not pose a risk of transmission.

But this relies on people with HIV being aware of their status. Those who are unaware of their condition can unknowingly pass the virus to others, which is why regular access to self-test kits and condoms is essential, especially for marginalized groups in our community. It’s crucial that we continue to push for better education and resources to prevent future transmission and ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

It was a thought-provoking experience, sitting next to Mountain, and it reminded me just how much work there still is to do. Beyond medical advancements, we need to continue breaking down the barriers of stigma and ignorance. Because when we truly understand the facts, fear no longer has a hold on us.