A powerful new documentary produced by Joe.ie is helping reshape the conversation around HIV in Ireland, featuring the compelling story of 23-year-old nursing student and Poz Vibe Tribe member, Adrian Duggan.

The documentary forms part of You, Me and HIV, a national campaign launched by the Poz Vibe Tribe in January 2025 to address long-standing misconceptions and reduce the stigma that continues to affect people living with HIV.

Adrian was diagnosed at the age of 17 after visiting his doctor for a routine STI test. The documentary captures his experience not only of receiving the diagnosis at such a young age but also confronting the heavy stigma that surrounded HIV at the time.

“It was tough because there was a stigma to it as well,” he recalls. “That has all changed now thanks to medication and thanks to treatment.”

Alongside him in the documentary is his father, Pat, who reflects on how far both medical understanding and public perception still need to go. He speaks proudly of Adrian’s willingness to share his story, helping others understand that life with HIV today is drastically different from outdated portrayals.

“So many people are not aware of that,” Pat says, highlighting a gap echoed in nationwide data. Despite decades of progress, a survey conducted last year revealed that 71% of Irish adults remain unaware that a person on effective HIV treatment cannot pass HIV to sexual partners.

This principle, known globally as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) has transformed both public health and the everyday lives of people with HIV, yet its message still struggles to reach the wider population.

The You, Me and HIV campaign aims to bridge that divide by centring real stories, science-based information, and the voices of people living with HIV. Activists like Adrian are central to that mission, demonstrating that with proper treatment and care, individuals with HIV can and do lead full, vibrant, healthy lives.

This World AIDS Day, that message will be amplified even further as Poz Vibe Tribe and GCN unite to host a dedicated World AIDS Day Festival. Bringing together community members, advocates, artists, and allies, the festival will focus on visibility, empowerment, and education continuing the work of dismantling stigma and celebrating resilience across Ireland’s HIV community.

You can watch the full documentary here.