–Gilead Sciences Celebrates the Fifth Anniversary Milestone of the Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant, with More Than US$4.5 Million Awarded to Organizations across the Asia Pacific Region to Date –

– Grant Program in 2023 Invites HIV-Focused Community-Based Organizations to Apply for Funding for Innovative Projects Centered on Theme ‘Reducing Stigma & Improving Equity’ –

In Asia Pacific, there are still about six million people living with HIV in the region[1] who face social and cultural stigma and punitive laws that prevent them from improving their health-related quality of life, including getting tested, accessing basic healthcare services, progressing socially and economically, or even discuss sexual health openly.[2]^,[3] Gilead aims to empower underserved communities that experience obstacles to care and help people living with HIV (PLHIV) lead healthy and enriching lives. Ending HIV as a global health threat starts with eliminating all forms of HIV-related stigma to ensure that all people can safely access the high-quality HIV prevention, care, treatment, and other healthcare services they need.

This year, the Gilead Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant will focus on the theme of ‘Reducing Stigma & Improving Equity’. The grant targets community projects that place PLHIV and their communities at the heart of care, grounded in 1) Addressing HIV-related social determinants of health that impact at-risk populations; 2) Integrating mental wellness in HIV care & stigma; and 3) Uplifting populations ‘being left behind’.

“All too often, HIV-related stigma and inequity have serious consequences on quality-of-life for PLHIV and persons-at-risk. Through the Gilead Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant, we are eager to bring integrated and people-centric responses to the forefront of HIV community projects in this region, empowering organizations to end the HIV epidemic for everyone, everywhere,” said Alex Kalomparis, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences.

Since 2018, more than US$4.5 million in funding support has been provided to 84 organizations spanning over 112 projects in this region.