We must improve access to HIV prevention & care
To end new cases of HIV in the United States, we must prioritize making it easier for people to access stigma-free and life-saving HIV prevention, education and treatment, particularly in the U.S. South.
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Why it matters
In the United States, approximately 1.2 million people are living with HIV. About 150,000 are unaware of their status. Southern states have the highest rates of new HIV cases, and certain groups, including Black women, gay and bisexual men, transgender women, young people, and people who use drugs, face disproportionate risks due to systemic barriers like racism, stigma, and limited access to healthcare.
We’re committed to supporting programs that provide high quality, stigma-free services because that’s what every human being deserves.
Noelle Esquire, U.S. Portfolio Lead, Elton John AIDS FoundationWhat we fund
The Elton John AIDS Foundation is one of the top HIV funders in the US supporting policy and advocacy work and is #6 in the top 10 funders of PrEP access globally. We focus on addressing barriers to HIV care in the U.S. by:
ENDING HIV STIGMA AND DISCRIMINATION
We fund local initiatives that provide high-quality community-based services for people who use drugs, men who have sex with men, sex workers, and transgender people to help them access HIV prevention, treatment and mental health support. By investing in community-led initiatives that prioritize the voices and needs of those most affected by HIV, we aim to empower communities to take charge of their health, advocate for better services, and create tailored solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
IMPROVING ACCESS AND UPTAKE OF PREP
We’re partnering with organizations across the U.S. to improve access to PrEP and ensure more people can benefit from this critical HIV prevention tool. Our collaboration with Walmart and Duke University is equipping pharmacy and clinical staff with training on PrEP and other HIV prevention strategies. In 2024, we launched RxEACH, a national coalition focused on expanding and sustaining access to HIV prevention and care services in community pharmacies. Additionally, we’re advocating with partners for a national PrEP program to make equitable access to PrEP a reality for all.
Meeting people where they are
Many people in need of HIV prevention and care face challenges in accessing essential healthcare. Together with our partners, we are meeting people where they are by integrating HIV services into the places where people are already accessing support. This includes harm reduction programs, drop-in centers, mobile clinics, and even dating apps. This approach ensures that care reaches communities directly, improving access and health outcomes.
Transforming HIV Policy
We’re a leading HIV funder in the U.S., driving policy and advocacy to remove barriers to HIV prevention, decriminalize HIV, and bolster U.S. government efforts to end the HIV epidemic once and for all. With a bold vision and a readiness to take calculated risks, we embrace small but impactful changes – including engaging legislators in key states to push for transformative policy shifts.
Stories of Impact
Read more about how our partners are tackling new cases of HIV in the United States and the stigma surrounding it through prevention, care and advocacy.
