Gilead’s partnership to empower Indigenous communities

Pharma News: Health experts have revealed that Australia is making remarkable progress towards eradicating HIV transmission by 2030. However, despite the positive strides, clinicians and patient advocates are urging for more focused efforts to reach populations where HIV numbers are still on the rise.

The latest data, unveiled by Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney for the 12th IAS Conference on HIV Science taking place in Brisbane this week, has shown that HIV diagnoses in the country have been halved over the last decade. Furthermore, over the past year, the numbers have remained stable, with 555 diagnoses recorded in 2022.

Dr Skye McGregor, head of the Surveillance Innovation Research Group at the Kirby Institute, expressed optimism, stating, “The 2022 data show that Australia is tracking well towards the elimination of HIV transmission.”

She attributes this progress to effective prevention strategies like increasing HIV testing, treatment as prevention, and pre-exposure prophylaxis, witnessing a significant decline in new diagnoses since 2014.

However, one concerning aspect of the report revealed an increase in HIV diagnoses among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during the same period. The data indicates 25 new diagnoses in 2022, raising alarms about the disparities in accessing prevention and care for these communities. Factors such as rural and remote locations, compounded by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have hindered regular health activities.

Robert Monaghan, Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research at the Kirby Institute, emphasised the need for tailored solutions.

“Co-designed campaigns rolled out in partnership with local community organisations are needed, focused on testing, treatment, and PrEP,” he said.

Addressing this crucial issue, Gilead Sciences is stepping up to the plate by entering a partnership with Lowitja Institute in Australia and CAAN Communities, Alliances & Networks in Canada for their most significant commitment to Indigenous Health in Australian and Canadian communities. The $6 million USD grant program will be equally divided between the two countries and invested over three years, focusing on supporting frontline organisations and initiatives.

This program aims to tackle the societal barriers to care that persistently contribute to the transmission of HIV and viral hepatitis within Indigenous communities.

Alex Kalomparis, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs at Gilead Sciences, commented “Gilead’s new funding program will help promote engagement in HIV and viral hepatitis care by supporting culturally appropriate solutions that address these needs, while enabling Indigenous people to continue advocating for the care of their communities,” he said.

By engaging with Indigenous-led organisations, Gilead hopes to provide meaningful support for innovative projects that address the disproportionately high rates of HIV and viral hepatitis in these communities.

With robust community partnerships and philanthropy initiatives, the company is working towards ending the HIV epidemic worldwide. In 2022 alone, the Gilead Foundation and Gilead Corporate Giving donated a combined nearly $300 million globally, reflecting their commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.

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