U=U safe space campaign against HIV stigma
ITM is a safe space for people living with HIV
With the U=U safe space campaign, we are calling attention to safe spaces: places where people can talk openly and safely about HIV.
Stigma remains a major challenge for people living with HIV. This is why we are spreading two key messages:
U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable): when HIV medication is used correctly, the virus becomes undetectable and therefore untransmissible sexually.
YOU=YOU: a reminder of equality between people living with or without a disease such as HIV.
Want to show that you or your organisation is a safe space? Use our stickers to spread the message.
The U=U campaign was launched on the initiative of the social nurses of the HIV Reference Centre (HRC) in Antwerp (ITM), with the support of ViiV Healthcare and Gilead.
Want to talk?
Every year, our multidisciplinary team supports thousands of people living with HIV in managing life with a chronic illness. Need to talk or get tested? We're here for you. Make an appointment
Looking for more information, peer support or activities? Sensoa is the Flemish expertise centre for sexual health.
Meet us at the International AIDS Conference 2026
Social nurses Cora Lamonte and Wenne Mertens will be attending the International AIDS Conference 2026, held from 26 to 31 July in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They will spread the campaign message, chat with attendees and distribute stickers.
Want to connect? Get in touch via clamonte@itg.be or wmertens@itg.be
Safe space stickers
Put the sticker in a visible place to indicate that you are a safe place:
“I am informed about U=U AND stigma or discrimination doesn't stand a chance with me because YOU=YOU.”
Need more stickers? You can order them for free (while supplies last) by emailing Cora (clamonte@itg.be) or Wenne (wmertens@itg.be).
Past activities and events
Long-acting CAB/RPV Symposium
18 June 2026
Dr Jelle Visser organised a LA CAB/RPV multidisciplinary meeting, followed in the evening by a symposium on long-acting injectable HIV medication with two speakers from Hospital Clínic de Barcelona: Dr Ana González and nurse Roger Llobet. Afterwards, we welcomed both speakers to our counselling rooms and shared our campaign with them, stickers and tote bags included.
TropED network meeting
18 June 2026
During the TropED network meeting, partners from around the world came together at ITM to discuss the future of international health education. It was the perfect moment to share our campaign with an international audience.
ITM Open House
31 May 2026
ITM opened its doors to the public for the first time during the ITM Open House and welcomed almost 3,000 people. We used the opportunity to raise awareness about our campaign among visitors of all ages.
IDAHOT event: HIV care and stigma
5 May 2026
On the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, ITM, together with KdG University of Applied Sciences, raised awareness about the discrimination faced by LGBTQIA+ communities and promoted equality and inclusion. We presented our campaign along with practical tools to support inclusive environments.
Alumni meeting in Accra, Ghana
3 December 2025
Participants of our ITM alumni meeting in Accra, Ghana, on 3 December 2025, proudly showed their safe space tote bags. The meeting was organised on the occasion of the 23rd edition of the ICASA Conference, Africa's largest HIV/AIDS conference.
World Aids Day 2025
1 December 2025
We organised a U=U quiz against HIV stigma, where participants could win one of our beautiful safe space tote bags, at ITM and Antwerp University Hospital.
World Aids Day 2024
22 November 2024
We presented our #lovemysafespace campaign during the 2024 World Aids Day Symposium organised at ITM.
Safe space picture frames
News
Browse events
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This year, we are once again participating in Antwerp Pride with our U=U campaign. Visit our booth in the Pride Village and say no to HIV stigma with #lovemysafespace! -
Join us in the Pride Village on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August 2025 to celebrate love, diversity, and inclusive and safe communities. Stop by for a chat, share your story, or just soak up the good vibes!
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This event takes place as part of IDAHOT, International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The event is organized by KdG University of Applied Sciences. Sign up to participate!
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On Sunday 31 May, as part of our 120th anniversary celebrations, we're opening the doors of our iconic buildings to the public. Step inside and discover how science fiction becomes reality.
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Stronger together: nurses, physicians and virologists shaping the future of HIV care. Register to join us for an engaging exchange of ideas on advancing high-quality, sustainable HIV care!
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