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.