FAQ

Why the world needs an update and other answers to the community’s most frequently asked questions. 

Why is HIV an “Epidemic of the Mind”? 

To clarify this question, we have commissioned a report to identify the core factors driving youth HIV infections and make concrete proposals on how to massively reduce them. Our preliminary findings make clear that today, the key factors holding us back from a future without new HIV infections are social, cultural, and mental. 

You can read the report here.

 

Why was the project started?

Because AIDS isn’t over. We are the generation that, for the very first time, has the potential to end this epidemic. HIV is an entirely preventable and treatable condition, but a lot of people don’t know it – there’s still so much stigma. So as a young generation, it’s our job to push back against that and do whatever we can to end AIDS by 2030.

Why does HIV need an Update?

HIV is heavily affected by pervasive stigma. Many people around the world still think of HIV as a death sentence- if they think of it at all. To end HIV, we need to get people talking about the virus. Conversation creates awareness, which leads to better rates of testing and a lower rate of HIV transmissions. But all that begins with updating how the world sees HIV.

 

Why is now the time to end the HIV epidemic?

Because we finally can. The global community has been trying to stop HIV since it first became prevalent in the 1980s. We’ve made countless attempts to reduce HIV infections, and we’ve seen great success in places like Namibia and South Africa, which have both been able to curve their HIV infection rates. 

Nevertheless, most new global HIV infections still happen in Southern Africa and that’s happening because of HIV stigma. Today, it’s not medicine holding us back from ending HIV. It’s the public perception of the virus. We need to end HIV stigma, and if we can do that, we can end HIV by 2030. 

Ohhh! is the organization for Human Health and Happiness. Founded in 2009, ohhh! has grown to be a leading voice for innovation in prevention and provides sex education programmes for schools, creates public awareness campaigns and is an initiator of a large-scale condom distribution program. 

The foundation is supported by and works closely with partners like global brands, institutions and governments to reach out to provide sexual health solutions for young people.

Rename HIV

Discover the latest name suggestions for HIV and vote on your favorites here. You can also submit your own suggestions for a new name for HIV and explain your case on social media using the hashtag #HIVRebranded