Gilead’s $260,000 grants drive community innovation in blood-borne viruses and cancers

Pharma News: Gilead Sciences Australia unveiled its allocation of $260,000 to support diverse patient and community organisations across Australia. These grants are specifically targeted at advancing the wellbeing of individuals with blood-borne viruses and cancers.

This announcement marks the inauguration of the Gilead Australia Community Grants Program, amplifying Gilead’s commitment to elevating healthcare standards, fostering health equity, and enriching the lives of those afflicted by critical health challenges.

With a focus on HIV, viral hepatitis, as well as breast, bladder and lung cancers, patient advocacy groups, community organisations, and non-profit entities were invited to present proposals for innovative projects aimed at amplifying health outcomes. Out of 29 applications received, Gilead Australia has chosen to support eight distinct organisations, recognising their potential to enhance health access, dismantle healthcare barriers, promote education, and bolster local communities.

Michelle Skehan, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Gilead Sciences Australia and New Zealand, underscored the significance of this initiative, stating, “Through our broader Corporate Giving programs and the Gilead Community Grants, we have been able to directly support these organisations working tirelessly to improve people’s lives – whether that be raising awareness, providing education and support or screening and linkage to care.”

She further added, “We are confident these projects will drive meaningful and positive change for individuals and the families of Australians living with HIV, hepatitis C and cancer.”

Expressing gratitude for the funding received for their vending machine distribution initiative, Luke Coffey, Rapid Program Manager at Queensland Positive People, remarked, “Our project seeks to improve HIV testing access and address healthcare disparities via the vending machine distribution of HIV self-test kits across Queensland sites. Gilead has funded the first iteration of the project, and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support. This speaks to their commitment to empowering community responses towards the virtual elimination of HIV transmission and genuine care and dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for those living with HIV.”

Applications for the first round of the 2024 Gilead Australia Community Grants Program are now open, with a total allocation of $150,000, and a subsequent round slated for later in the year. Grant proposals of up to $50,000 will be considered in HIV, viral hepatitis, as well as blood and breast cancer. Interested parties can visit Gilead Australia’s website.

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