FOSTER CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Gilead Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: GILD) and the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) have announced a significant five-year extension of their RADIAN® partnership to combat the escalating HIV epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA). This expanded partnership, with a budget of $25 million, aims to support local organizations and drive progress in HIV prevention and care across the region, especially in the wake of growing challenges such as the conflict in Ukraine.
The RADIAN initiative, launched in 2019, has already made substantial impacts, providing HIV services to over 271,000 people, conducting over 114,000 HIV tests, re-initiating over 26,500 people on antiretroviral therapy, and training more than 14,000 frontline workers. However, the HIV epidemic in EECA continues to worsen, with new HIV diagnoses and AIDS-related deaths increasing significantly. Of the 2.1 million people living with HIV in the region, 41% are unaware of their status, and 50% are not receiving treatment.
Addressing the Needs of Vulnerable Populations
Daniel O’Day, Chairman and CEO of Gilead Sciences, emphasized the importance of ensuring the EECA region is not left behind in the global fight against HIV. “We are committed to ensuring that the EECA region is not left behind because ending the HIV epidemic means ending it for everyone, everywhere,” said O’Day. The extension of the RADIAN partnership will focus on supporting grassroots organizations and addressing the structural drivers of the epidemic, strengthening HIV health systems, and enhancing the capacities of local organizations for lasting impact.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has exacerbated the HIV crisis in the region, further complicating access to HIV services. RADIAN will expand its geographic focus to include countries hosting refugees fleeing Ukraine, such as Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Germany. These countries face acute needs for HIV services, with language barriers, social isolation, and stigma hindering access to treatment and care. By extending its reach, RADIAN aims to provide vital support to these vulnerable communities, improving access to HIV services and supporting their mental and social wellbeing.
Long-Term Commitment and Innovation
Over the next five years, RADIAN will continue to build on its successes and learnings from the first phase of the partnership. A key component of this phase will be the introduction of an innovation fund to support creative approaches to improving the HIV response in EECA. This fund will accept applications on a rolling basis, allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to emerging innovations. Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, highlighted the importance of this ongoing commitment. “We are incredibly proud of our RADIAN partnership with Gilead Sciences, which is genuinely helping to turn the tide on the HIV epidemic in the region,” said Aslett.
RADIAN’s efforts are particularly focused on key populations such as people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers, and transgender people. By supporting community-based initiatives, RADIAN helps address the unique challenges faced by these groups. The partnership works closely with local leaders and community partners—RADIAN Changemakers and grantees—who are committed to creating change through on-the-ground initiatives.
About Gilead Sciences and the Elton John AIDS Foundation
Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. For over 35 years, Gilead has been a leader in HIV research, developing 12 HIV medications that have transformed HIV into a treatable, preventable, chronic condition for millions of people. Gilead operates in over 35 countries, with its headquarters in Foster City, California.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation, established in 1992, is one of the leading independent AIDS organizations globally. Its mission is to end the AIDS epidemic by overcoming stigma, discrimination, and neglect. The Foundation funds local experts across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent infections, and provide treatment. Through partnerships and mobilizing support, the Foundation influences governments to end AIDS.
Future Directions and Community Engagement
As the RADIAN partnership moves into its next phase, it will continue to prioritize innovative, scalable solutions to meet the needs of those most affected by HIV in EECA. The partnership’s focus on community engagement and health equity will ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against HIV. The expansion of geographic reach and the introduction of an innovation fund underscore RADIAN’s commitment to adapting and responding to the evolving challenges of the HIV epidemic in the region.
The extended RADIAN partnership between Gilead Sciences and the Elton John AIDS Foundation represents a critical step forward in addressing the growing HIV crisis in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. By supporting local organizations and expanding its reach to include countries impacted by the conflict in Ukraine, RADIAN aims to provide comprehensive HIV prevention and care services to the most vulnerable populations. This partnership exemplifies the collaborative efforts needed to turn the tide on the HIV epidemic and ensure that no one is left behind.
Resource: Gilead, July 22, 2024
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