The Gilead Foundation has announced a $12m investment in 33 community-based organisations across 14 US states and Washington DC through its Community Health Worker (CHW) Comprehensive HIV Prevention Initiative.
Gilead Foundation said this two-year effort will expand CHW-led prevention models that strengthen knowledge, care navigation and access to services for communities disproportionately affected by HIV.
The initiative will also reinforce organisational infrastructure and CHW training systems to build sustainable, locally driven HIV-prevention networks.
Keeley Cain Wettan, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, Legal and Compliance at Gilead Sciences and a Board Member of Gilead Foundation, said: “Advancing HIV prevention requires both medical innovation and strong, community-led systems that address the social and structural barriers people face every day.
“By investing in community-based organisations, we’re helping expand access to trusted information, screenings and culturally responsive care that can drive more equitable health outcomes.”
Over the next two years, the recipient organisations will work to deliver targeted HIV prevention education, connect people to services, reduce stigma, strengthen community engagement and expand integrated screening for HIV, STIs, mental health and substance use.
Gilead said the 33 organisations represent a diverse range of communities facing ongoing HIV prevention challenges, with the initiative prioritising the communities most impacted by HIV, including black and Latino communities; cisgender and transgender women; people who inject drugs; and youth – by delivering tailored education and prevention services.
Many programmes will also strengthen the community health workforce through peer navigator models, apprenticeships, pharmacy-based training, and community health integration across care settings, building long-term capacity beyond the grant period.