One tablet a day is all it takes for Gareth Thomas to know that he cannot transmit HIV in any way, writes Paul Eddison. The treatment is simple, non-invasive and allows the former Wales rugby captain to live a normal, healthy, happy life.

And yet according to a recent survey, fewer than one in five people are aware that with effective treatment those living with HIV cannot pass it on to their sexual partner. That survey of 4000 people was undertaken by Tackle HIV, a new initiative launched by former Wales rugby captain Thomas in association with ViiV Healthcare to improve public understanding of HIV and break the stigma that surrounds it.

For Thomas this is about education. Not educating those with HIV, but everyone else.

He explains: “We still live in a society and a world where stigma holds back people being able to be honest about living with HIV. Because the truth is, I live with HIV, I take a single tablet every day. I’m on effective treatment that means I can’t transmit HIV in any way, shape or form.

“I live my life with HIV with no limitations. I’m not saying that people who stigmatise are wrong and should know better, because I had my own stigma. When I found out I was living with HIV, I thought I was going to die." Read more via Sportsbeat