What statement is true regarding antiretroviral therapy and the risk of HIV transmission?

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) plays a crucial role in managing HIV infection and significantly decreases the risk of transmission. When individuals with HIV adhere to their ART regimen, their viral load can become undetectable, meaning the amount of virus in their blood is so low that it cannot be transmitted to sexual partners. This concept is encapsulated in the phrase "Undetectable equals Untransmittable" (U=U).

By consistently taking ART and achieving an undetectable viral load, the risk of sexual transmission is drastically reduced, making it a highly effective strategy for preventing the spread of HIV. This not only benefits individuals living with HIV by improving their health and quality of life but also protects their partners, contributing to public health efforts aimed at controlling the epidemic.

In contrast, the other options present misleading assertions about ART's role. While ART does not completely eliminate the risk of transmission, its ability to reduce viral loads significantly contributes to a safer sexual environment for both individuals living with HIV and their partners.