Moving Forward with U=U

What is U=U?
U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) is a global movement and campaign initiated by ICAP at Columbia University, advocating the scientific fact that people living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load through consistent treatment cannot transmit the virus to their partners. This transformative message helps combat stigma, misinformation, and discrimination, empowering PLHIV to live freely and confidently while promoting public understanding and acceptance of HIV.

Campaign Objective
The “Moving Forward with U=U” campaign aimed to educate, fight stigma, and inspire hope across key regions in Myanmar. The goal was to shift the conversation around HIV from fear and misinformation to empowerment and progress. Through impactful storytelling and strategic messaging, the campaign encouraged individuals and communities to embrace the U=U message and move forward together.

📖 Short Film – Dear Diary (The Drum Award-Nominated) : Dear Diary is a deeply personal and moving short film that tells the story of a man who, despite living with HIV, was able to build a loving family thanks to U=U. The film challenges long-standing misconceptions by showing the reality of life with HIV today—a reality where individuals can have relationships, children, and a future free from stigma. Through strategic storytelling and emotional depth, Dear Diary reshaped perceptions and encouraged meaningful conversations about HIV, breaking barriers in both personal and public discourse. (Strategic and creative direction by me.)

🎶 Theme Song & Music Video – A Voice Against Discrimination: Music is a powerful medium for change, and to amplify the U=U message, we created a theme song and music video that tackled HIV-related stigma. The song served as both an anthem for PLHIV and an educational tool for the broader community, using emotional storytelling and powerful lyrics to challenge discrimination. By incorporating diverse voices and real experiences, the music video helped humanize the U=U message, making it relatable and impactful for audiences across Myanmar.

🎬 Mini-Series – The Room: A heartwarming mini-series, The Room tells the story of an HIV health consultant who welcomes and supports people living with HIV (PLHIV), offering them a safe space to heal, rebuild, and move forward. The series highlights the transformational power of U=U, showing how access to treatment and understanding can restore faith in life, relationships, and self-worth. More than just a drama, The Room was a story of hope and second chances, reinforcing the idea that with U=U, PLHIV can confidently take charge of their futures. (Story, direction, and music written by me.)

I have worked on the U=U Myanmar campaign for four years, from its launch to its evolution into a recognized movement. Through strategic storytelling, branding, and creative direction, we were able to successfully spark conversations, challenge stigma, and empower PLHIV to live without fear.

By weaving U=U into music, film, and digital content, we transformed it from a scientific fact into an emotionally resonant and widely accepted truth—one that continues to help people move forward with confidence and dignity.