Gilead Sciences, Inc., on 3 July 2019, announced the launch of the 2019 Gilead Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant program, a grant initiative that supports community-led programs for people living with HIV in the Asia Pacific region. Non-governmental or advocacy organizations are invited to submit their applications for 2019 funding online at www.gileadrainbowgrant.com starting from 3 July 2019. The submission deadline ends on 30 September 2019, 11:59 pm GMT+8.

This year's grant program seeks to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV by focusing on three priority areas: 1) access and quality of life; 2) multidisciplinary care; and 3) diversity and inclusion.

In 2016, UNAIDS established the 90-90-90 targets, which aim to diagnose 90% of all HIV-positive persons, provide treatment to 90% of those diagnosed and achieve viral suppression for 90% of those treated. However, as HIV care evolves, there is an increasing need to look at HIV outcomes beyond viral suppression. The "Fourth 90," an additional target to the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goals, adds a focus on the experience of people living with the disease, setting a target to ensure their care extends beyond viral suppression to health-related quality of life.

"At Gilead, we believe that strong community partnerships can have a significant impact in improving the care and support for people living with serious diseases," said Amy Flood, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences. "Gilead's Asia Pacific Rainbow Grant program is one way that we work with community groups and support projects that place people at the centre of care. We look forward to supporting organizations in the region to enable people living with HIV to reach their fullest potential each day and live a fulfilling life."

Gilead has expanded the grant program to 18 countries or territories in the region - nearly doubling the geographic scope from last year's program. More than US$1 million was awarded to 28 organizations across 10 countries or territories last year.