U=ME

Nikita (Shweta Prasad Basu) and Neeraj (Arjun Radhakrishnan) have not had the easiest time as a couple. Nikita’s parents want her to choose Aniket as a husband, and he has proposed, but she finds herself still attracted to her ex-partner, Neeraj. What at first seems like a barrier to their relationship—Neeraj is living with HIV while Nikita is HIV-negative—in the end offers a chance for the couple to search for ways to move forward together.

With deft attention to emotional complexity and evidence-based science, “U=Me” explores “U=U,” or Undetectable=Untransmittable,” meaning that people living with HIV (PLWH) who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load on sustained antiretroviral therapy do not transmit HIV to others.

“Despite the groundbreaking nature of U=U, its penetration into community consciousness and among PLWH and healthcare providers remains insufficient,” notes Dr. Sanjay Pujari, Director and Chief Consultant at the Institute of Infectious Diseases in Pune, India, and a network investigator in amfAR’s TREAT Asia program, who conceived and produced the film. “Many healthcare professionals are still either unaware of the scientific underpinnings of U=U or find it challenging to communicate effectively in clinical settings.”

Even when U=U is communicated effectively, says Dr. Pujari, “many patients find it unbelievable or difficult to reconcile with the preventive strategies they have been taught over the years.” He is optimistic, though, that acceptance of U=U will grow over time.

The film takes special care to emphasize the importance of emotional well-being as part of holistic healthcare. “Lives and treatments involve more than just medical interventions,” Dr. Pujari says, noting that attending to emotional well-being may help PLWH overcome internalized stigma so that they feel confident to share their issues with at least some of their immediate family and friends, as well as help with adherence and staying undetectable.

An official selection of about 21 film festivals, “U=Me” has received “overwhelmingly positive” feedback, says Dr. Pujari, noting its cast and director, Umesh Vinayak Kulkarni, have been honored with awards.

The film has been informed by TREAT Asia, which Dr. Pujari says has been a significant source of inspiration for his research and clinical care practices. “This experience has made me realize how vital our roles as medical professionals are, not just in treating diseases but in advocating for policy changes that align with the latest scientific discoveries. It is through this integration of science and policy advocacy that we can hope to see real, sustainable change in society, improving not just individual health outcomes but also the broader social dynamics around diseases like HIV.”

Chael Needle is amfAR’s senior staff writer.

Click Here to read more from the July 2024 issue of amfAR INNOVATIONS.

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