Eduardo Casanova announces that he has HIV

15/01/2026

This December, actor and director Eduardo Casanova revealed on his Instagram account, with great openness, that he is living with HIV. In his message, he stated: “Today I break this unpleasant and painful silence after many years […]. I’m doing it for myself, but I hope this can help more people.” The announcement was accompanied by a preview of the documentary directed by journalist Jordi Évole, set to be released in cinemas in 2026, in which Casanova recounts his experience with the virus in detail.

With this decision, Casanova becomes a pioneering figure in Spain, as he is the first nationally renowned celebrity with significant media impact to publicly state that he has HIV. It is a crucial step towards breaking the stigma that the infection still carries.

In subsequent interviews and appearances, he has strongly defended the message “undetectable = untransmittable”, emphasising that thanks to medication, a person living with HIV can lead a normal life and cannot transmit the virus.

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the cells of the immune system, particularly CD4 lymphocytes, making the body more vulnerable to infections and certain types of cancer. The virus enters these cells, replicates, and destroys them. Although it does not generally disappear with treatment, it can become undetectable in the blood and bodily fluids.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), on the other hand, is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. It is diagnosed when the CD4 count falls below 200 cells/mm³ or when opportunistic infections and cancers related to a severely weakened immune system appear.

Therefore, if HIV is detected early and treatment is followed correctly, it does not progress to AIDS. This is essential, as it is the way to avoid transmitting the virus to others and to help stop its spread. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS within 8 to 15 years, depending on the individual, often with symptoms linked to severe infections.

Why is this news relevant?

Visibility and social normalisation: Eduardo Casanova breaks the stigma associated with HIV and sends a clear message: living with HIV and enjoying a healthy life is possible.
Media and cultural impact: His decision highlights the current reality of HIV, far removed from the sensationalism of the 1980s and 1990s.
Accessible scientific communication: He helps bring scientific knowledge closer to the general public, using key messages such as “undetectable = untransmittable”.