Addressing Barriers to Care in the United States

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 Foundation

What 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

HIV stigma and discrimination is widespread, particularly in the U.S. South, severely impacting the mental and emotional well-being of those living with or at risk of HIV. We’re partnering with organizations to train healthcare providers, equipping them with the skills and tools to deliver compassionate, non-judgmental care. We’re also supporting efforts to spread knowledge about HIV treatment-as-prevention and the critical message of “U = U.” Recognizing the influence of faith leaders in the region, we’re providing them with resources to challenge HIV stigma and foster acceptance.

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.

Get Involved

Imagine a world where health inequity is a thing of the past. Together, we can make this a reality—and bring an end to AIDS. Your support is essential to making it happen.