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Landmark Meal Event in Seoul Highlights Advances in HIV Treatment and Fight Against Discrimination
A groundbreaking gathering of 60 people living with HIV and 100 supporters in Seoul underscores the scientific reality that modern treatment renders transmission impossible, while simultaneously shedding light on the pervasive discrimination that continues to harm those affected.
For the first time in 40 years, a large-scale meal event took place involving individuals living with HIV in Korea, marking a significant moment in the country’s response to the epidemic. Held on the 24th of last month at a hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul, the event symbolized a turning point – a demonstration of how far medical science has come and a challenge to the enduring stigma surrounding the virus.
The gathering, organized by the “Red Period” campaign, a consultative body comprised of medical staff, academics, and industry leaders, including organizations like Love for One, KNP+, and Together Seobom, aimed to prove a critical scientific fact: that individuals living with HIV who are undergoing treatment pose no risk of transmission.This concept,known as U=U – Undetectable = Untransmittable – is rapidly gaining acceptance globally and is central to dismantling harmful misconceptions.
The roots of this event trace back to 1999, when early support groups for people living with HIV began with simple shared meals. As officials from the participating organizations noted, referencing a recent interview in Healthy People, “The begining of these groups…was ‘a gathering to eat together’…and we always want to create a ‘place where everyone eats together.'” This desire for inclusivity and normalcy was finally realized after 25 years, overcoming decades of misunderstanding, prejudice, and discrimination.
The significance of this milestone cannot be overstated. For years, fear and misinformation fueled isolation and marginalization for those living with HIV. The event served as a powerful counter-narrative, emphasizing that HIV is now a manageable chronic condition, not a death sentence.According to recent studies, individuals living with HIV who receive consistent treatment can expect a life expectancy comparable to that of the general population – approximately 78 years at age 20, nearing the Korean average of 83.5 years as of 2023.
However, the event also highlighted the damaging impact of ongoing discrimination. Research indicates that social prejudice and discrimination significantly worsen the mental and physical health of people living with HIV, leading to treatment avoidance and increased rates of depression and suicide. A survey conducted by Love for One revealed that 40% of respondents were experiencing depressive symptoms or taking antidepressants – a rate four to ten times higher than that of the non-infected population. in 2017, the risk of suicide among people living with HIV in Korea was 1.84 times higher than among the general population.
“No one should be evaluated as a virus, and infection does not determine human value or qualification for relationships,” stated Choi Jae-pil, head of the Department of Infectious Diseases at Seoul Medical center, advocating for a broader understanding of HIV as a chronic illness requiring management and dignity. He proposed adding a third “U” to the U=U equation: Universal access to treatment.
The event also addressed common misconceptions about HIV transmission.The virus exists only in specific body fluids, is fragile outside the body, and is easily deactivated by heat. Everyday contact, such as sharing meals or using public restrooms, poses no risk. Even mosquito bites are not a transmission vector, as the CDC has confirmed that the virus cannot multiply within the insect’s digestive system.
The “Red Period” campaign is actively seeking to raise awareness and combat discrimination through initiatives like a Good Action page on Happy Bean (https://happybean.naver.com/template/campaign/redperiod), where individuals can leave messages of support. This event represents a crucial step forward in creating a more inclusive and informed society for people living with HIV, demonstrating that with scientific advancements and a commitment to empathy, a future free from stigma and discrimination is within reach.
