For the first time in history, nearly 50%
of people in the U.S. who are living with HIV are over the age of 50.
This is in sharp contrast to the early days of the epidemic when there was little hope for people diagnosed with HIV. Today, this longevity is an inspiring and powerful reminder of the heroic efforts of all that have made these advancements possible.
It’s now expected that by 2030, 70% of people living with HIV will be over the age of 50. However, more critical work remains to be done. Aging with HIV presents new, different challenges for people affected by the epidemic and the healthcare system overall.
Improving Quality of Life
- Challenge & Approach
- Improve Care Coordination
- Increase Resources for Better Well-being
- Educate and Inform Policy
Challenge & Approach
By 2030, a large majority of people living with HIV will have at least one age-related medical condition, such as cancer or heart disease. The confluence of aging and HIV is an underexamined and underfunded public health issue demanding urgent attention.
This challenge led us to create Gilead’s HIV Age Positively initiative, which aims to support programs focused on improving the quality of life and health of those who are aging and living with HIV. The program has provided more than $35 million in grant funding to support more than 40 organizations — from healthcare organizations to advocacy groups working to address the interrelated challenges within the healthcare system and the general HIV community — addressing stigma, loneliness and better coordination of care.
Grantee organizations are working to improve care coordination, increase resources for better well-being, expand education and inform policy.
Improve Care Coordination
People aging with HIV have unique needs that not all providers are equipped to meet. Our grantees work to make sure people aging with HIV receive care tailored to their needs through continuing provider education and training programs, facilitating the co-location of medical services, supporting innovative models of care and other strategies.
Increase Resources for Better Well-being
Aging with HIV affects a person’s whole life, not just their health. Our grantees work to connect people aging with HIV to the additional resources they may
need — from mental health hotlines to meal delivery services.
Educate and Inform Policy
To deliver sustainable solutions, it’s not enough to provide better care and services at the individual level. Systemic change is needed. Our grantees work to secure public funding for research and advocate for laws that increase care for people aging with HIV.