Learn - (RED) https://www.red.org/reditorial/category/learn/ Wed, 14 May 2025 18:18:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.1 USAID vs. UNAIDS – What’s the Difference? https://www.red.org/reditorial/learn/usaid-vs-unaids-whats-the-difference/ Wed, 14 May 2025 18:18:22 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=8038 Recent policy decisions around foreign aid have not only had an immediate impact on humanitarian initiatives but also brought increased attention to some potentially confusing acronyms. For example, USAID and UNAIDS look and sound similar, but they’re very different organizations. Do you know the difference? We’re here to help break... Read more »

The post USAID vs. UNAIDS – What’s the Difference? appeared first on RED.

]]> Recent policy decisions around foreign aid have not only had an immediate impact on humanitarian initiatives but also brought increased attention to some potentially confusing acronyms. For example, USAID and UNAIDS look and sound similar, but they’re very different organizations. Do you know the difference? We’re here to help break it down!

UNAIDS is a United Nations (that’s what the “U and “N” stand for!) program tasked with coordinating the global response to HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1996 in Geneva, Switzerland, UNAIDS involves multiple UN agencies (like WHO, UNICEF, UNDP) with the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The organization plays a key role in global advocacy, policy guidance, and data collection/reporting, which helps response programs track the state of the fight and strategically deploy resources and funding where they’re needed most. 

USAID stands for United States Agency for International Development. Founded in 1961 by President John F Kennedy in Washington, D.C., USAID has broad goals to promote health, education, economic development, democracy, and humanitarian aid on a global scale. USAID funds and manages aid programs in over 100 countries, tackling global health crises including infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. 

UNAIDS receives nearly half of its funding from USAID and the two organizations collaborate on several initiatives. The key difference is that UNAIDS is a United Nations-led, HIV/AIDS-specific, global coordination focused on policy, advocacy, data collection, and strategic deployment of resources while USAID is a United States development agency, with HIV/AIDS being just one part of its mission. 

UNAIDS has been in the news lately because the organization has been subject to an upheaval by the Trump administration. In January 2025, the administration announced the abrupt termination of approximately 92% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts, amounting to nearly $60 billion in withheld funds, many of which were bound for UNAIDS programs. This illegal action affected nearly 10,000 contracts and grants from the State Department and USAID. And while some exceptions and waivers have been granted to restore funding for specific programs or uses, the damage from this sharp withdrawal from global support ​has forced many operations to cease irreversibly. This threatens to undo decades of progress that have been made in the HIV/AIDS fight. We cannot let this happen. 

Follow @RED to stay up to date on the AIDS fight and visit ONE.org to learn how you can use your voice to speak out against the US’s recent foreign aid decisions.

The post USAID vs. UNAIDS – What’s the Difference? appeared first on RED.

]]> Why Should the U.S. Support Foreign Aid Programs? https://www.red.org/reditorial/news/why-should-the-u-s-support-foreign-aid-programs/ Mon, 10 Mar 2025 20:02:41 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=7772 Recent executive orders from the United States administration have raised questions and alarm over global health and the HIV/AIDS fight. With policy rhetoric shifting to an “America First” mentality, many are also curious why the U.S. should support other countries, financially or otherwise. Here is why it’s critically important for... Read more »

The post Why Should the U.S. Support Foreign Aid Programs? appeared first on RED.

]]> Recent executive orders from the United States administration have raised questions and alarm over global health and the HIV/AIDS fight. With policy rhetoric shifting to an “America First” mentality, many are also curious why the U.S. should support other countries, financially or otherwise. Here is why it’s critically important for the U.S. to continue to support foreign aid programs.

1. Global Health & Pandemic Prevention

Diseases do not respect geopolitical borders. Investing in global health initiatives helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases like Ebola, HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19. Treatment and prevention through health programs not only save lives abroad, but also protect Americans by reducing the likelihood of disease outbreaks reaching U.S. borders.

2. Humanitarian & Moral Responsibility

Providing humanitarian aid to others is in the DNA of American history. The U.S. has long positioned itself as a leader in defending human rights and democracy. Providing aid during global crises reflects American values of compassion and responsibility, and creates a favorable image of the U.S. to the rest of the world.

3. National Security

Helping to stabilize regions by addressing poverty, disease, and lack of education can mitigate conditions that lead to extremism, conflict, and mass migration. By investing in development, the U.S. helps create stable governments that are less likely to become threats to themselves and other countries.

4. Economic Benefits

When developing countries grow economically, they become better trade partners for the U.S. Foreign aid programs can jump-start local economies, creating markets for American goods and services and, in turn, providing lasting returns on investment.

5. Creating & Strengthening Diplomatic Allyship

Partnerships with countries that receive U.S. aid are not one-sided. Aid fosters goodwill and stronger diplomatic ties with recipient countries, making them more likely to support U.S. policies on international issues. The strategic partnerships that emerge from aid can enhance the U.S.’s position on global policies.

6. Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Military Action

If the intent of scaling back aid is to save money, that may only yield a short-term result. In the same way that disease prevention is much more effective and economical than responsive treatment, history shows that investing in development aid is often far cheaper than military intervention. In the long run, addressing instability at its root—by improving governance, infrastructure, and economic opportunities—reduces the need for costly military involvement in the future.

7. Climate Change & Environmental Protection

Climate change already has a dire impact on countries all over the planet, and climate-related crises are forecast to continue worsening. The deadly and costly effects of climate change can only be combatted through a coordinated global effort. By supporting sustainable development abroad, the U.S. also addresses crises locally, such as rising sea levels, destructive storms and fires, and increased migration pressures.

While some critics argue that resources for foreign aid should be spent domestically, the reality is that the budget set aside for aid programs makes up a small fraction of total U.S. spending (less than 1% of the federal budget). Despite its relatively low cost, the impact from these initiatives can be significant in bolstering humanitarian progress, stabilizing regions of unrest, providing economic growth, and preventing climate and health crises—all of which ultimately benefit the U.S.

The post Why Should the U.S. Support Foreign Aid Programs? appeared first on RED.

]]> 6 Misconceptions About HIV/AIDS https://www.red.org/reditorial/learn/six-misconceptions-about-hiv-aids-and-why-they-arent-true/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:48:16 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=7718 Since (RED)’s founding by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006, (RED) has remained committed to fighting injustices that allow pandemics like HIV/AIDS to thrive. To help clarify some myths and fight stigma, we’re breaking down some common misconceptions around the virus. 1. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is over We’ve made incredible... Read more »

The post 6 Misconceptions About HIV/AIDS appeared first on RED.

]]> Since (RED)’s founding by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006, (RED) has remained committed to fighting injustices that allow pandemics like HIV/AIDS to thrive. To help clarify some myths and fight stigma, we’re breaking down some common misconceptions around the virus.

1. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is over

We’ve made incredible strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but it is very much still a crisis in many parts of the world. There are still over 39 million people living with HIV globally, and 1.3 million people were newly infected with HIV in 2023. That’s more than 2 people who contract HIV every minute. (2024 UNAIDS Report).

2. HIV is a death sentence

Thanks to incredible advances in medicine and antiretroviral therapy (ARVs), people living with HIV can have long, healthy lives. Through proper treatment, HIV viral loads can drop to undetectable levels, meaning the virus can’t be transmitted to others. Today, over 30.7 million people living with HIV are accessing ARVs that allow them to thrive (2024 UNAIDS Report).

3. HIV can only be spread through unprotected sex

While HIV can certainly spread through unprotected sex, there are other ways to contract the virus, including sharing needles, mother-to-child transmission during childbirth, and breastfeeding.

4. HIV can be spread through casual contact

HIV is not transmitted through hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or toilet seats, or mosquito bites. It spreads through specific bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk).

5. Only certain populations acquire HIV

HIV affects people of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic statuses. While some groups may have higher risks due to factors like access to healthcare and prevention methods, no one is immune.

6. If both sexual partners have HIV, they don’t need to use protection

Different strains of HIV exist, and reinfection with a different strain can make treatment more challenging. Using protection and staying on ARV treatment helps maintain health and prevents complications. Condoms also help protect against other sexually transmitted infections, which can negatively impact the immune system.

Stigma is a significant barrier in the fight to end AIDS and to make sure that everyone, everywhere, has access to the health programs they need. Ending the stigma around HIV/AIDS starts with educating yourself and others about misconceptions surrounding the virus.

The post 6 Misconceptions About HIV/AIDS appeared first on RED.

]]> 4 Reasons Iron Deficiency Can Be Dangerous For People Living with HIV https://www.red.org/reditorial/learn/4-reasons-iron-deficiency-can-be-dangerous-for-people-living-with-hiv/ Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:38:20 +0000 https://www.red.org/?p=6695 Iron is a critical nutrient that helps your blood move oxygen from your lungs to the rest of the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that leads to a reduction in the number of red blood cells. Everyone is susceptible to developing iron deficiency at different times in their... Read more »

The post 4 Reasons Iron Deficiency Can Be Dangerous For People Living with HIV appeared first on RED.

]]> Iron is a critical nutrient that helps your blood move oxygen from your lungs to the rest of the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that leads to a reduction in the number of red blood cells. Everyone is susceptible to developing iron deficiency at different times in their lives, though the causes and symptoms can vary from person to person.

(RED) is teaming up with Lucky Iron Life to break down the intersection between iron deficiency and HIV. (RED) and Lucky Iron Life have a shared goal of improving global health and well-being. (RED) does this by partnering with brands to create products and experiences that raise money, heat, and urgency for the AIDS fight, while Lucky Iron Life is on a mission to make iron deficiency a thing of the past globally by developing cooking tools that help fortify daily meals with iron.

Iron deficiency anemia is the largest micronutrient deficiency globally and the most common blood disorder for those living with HIV/AIDS. It is closely associated with disease progression and higher risk of mortality. (Source: EClinicalMedicine)

Here are four reasons iron is especially important for those living with HIV/AIDS – and why iron deficiency can be so dangerous: 

  1. Immune System Compromise: Anemia can increase susceptibility to infections, which pose serious risks for people with HIV, as the virus weakens the immune system. For instance, people living with HIV are already more prone to tuberculosis, and iron deficiency anemia can compound the risk of infection.
  2. Source: CDC

  1. Risk of Coinfections: People living with HIV face a higher risk of other blood disorders and co-infections that can exacerbate iron deficiency and complicate anemia treatment. HIV can also cause anemia of chronic disease (ACD), in which stored iron isn’t available for red blood cell production.
  2. Sources: aidsmap, American Society of Hematology

  1. Inflammation Problems: HIV infection triggers the release of inflammatory proteins, which can boost the production of hepcidin. This hormone reduces iron absorption by essentially locking up iron in immune cells, thereby limiting the body’s availability for new blood cell production and worsening anemia.
  2. Source: American Society of Hematology

  1. Medication Effects: Some antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV can impair iron absorption, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Reduced appetite and malabsorption issues make it hard for those with HIV to get enough iron, complicating anemia management.
  2. Sources: aidsmap, American Society of Hematology

Managing iron levels is a balancing act, and as it’s intricately linked with HIV, requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach for effective control. Though additional research is needed to find the best way to handle iron deficiency and HIV, it’s clear that treatment and care can widely depend on the “where” and “how.” Lucky Iron Life and (RED) are working to ensure preventable and treatable diseases and conditions are preventable and treatable for everyone.

The post 4 Reasons Iron Deficiency Can Be Dangerous For People Living with HIV appeared first on RED.

]]> (RED) Talks—The State of the AIDS Fight 2024 https://www.red.org/reditorial/red-talks/red-talks-the-state-of-the-aids-fight-2024/ Tue, 09 Jan 2024 17:50:45 +0000 https://live-red005.pantheonsite.io/?p=3563 We’re back with 2024’s first episode of (RED) Talks, our digital series of frank conversations exploring the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS, its impact on marginalized communities, and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investment. In this episode of (RED) Talks, (RED) President and... Read more »

The post (RED) Talks—The State of the AIDS Fight 2024 appeared first on RED.

]]> We’re back with 2024’s first episode of (RED) Talks, our digital series of frank conversations exploring the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS, its impact on marginalized communities, and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investment.

In this episode of (RED) Talks, (RED) President and COO, Jennifer Lotito, sits down with Peter Sands, Executive Director of The Global Fund, Angeli Achrekar, Deputy Executive Director for Programme, UNAIDS, and Dr. Kimberly Smith, Head of Research and Development, ViiV Healthcare to discuss the current state of the AIDS fight as we kick off 2024. Jennifer and the panelists will discuss the progress we’ve made in the AIDS fight, what’s working and what’s not, the importance of tackling stigma and prioritizing marginalized communities, and what’s needed to end the threat of AIDS in our lifetime.

This episode was generously sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.

  • Key questions addressed in this episode:
  • -What progress has been made in the AIDS fight and how has the Global Fund contributed to this work?
  • -Where have the biggest gains in the AIDS fight been made and how has ViiV Healthcare contributed to the progress that has been made in the HIV/AIDS fight? 
  • -UNAIDS released a new report earlier this year detailing the state of the epidemic. Where are we today in the AIDS fight and what are some of the big breakthroughs that are having the biggest impact?
  • -Stigma remains a big issue from a societal standpoint and self-stigma. How do we combat this major issue of ‘stigma’? 
  • -Why is it important to focus on women and girls while discussing critical resources for marginalized communities? 
  • -GSK and ViiV Healthcare have partnered together with the Global fund to launch a multi-year fund that specifically focuses on gender equality. Why is addressing these inequalities so important? 
  • -What are some of the big moments that Peter Sands, Angeli Achrekar, and Dr. Kimberly Smith are paying attention to, and what is giving them optimism?

The post (RED) Talks—The State of the AIDS Fight 2024 appeared first on RED.

]]> (RED) Talks—Empowered Partners: Roche https://www.red.org/reditorial/red-talks/reditorial-red-talks-empowered-partners-roche-s2-ep-4/ Tue, 17 Oct 2023 21:09:42 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1107 In this episode of (RED) Talks, we sat down with Bernard Colombo, President of Roche Diagnostics for the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America Region, to discuss Roche’s efforts to raise awareness around the importance of testing and diagnostics in fighting pandemics.

The post (RED) Talks—Empowered Partners: Roche appeared first on RED.

]]> We’re back with another episode of (RED) Talks, our digital series of frank conversations exploring the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS, its impact on marginalized communities, and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investment.

In this episode of (RED) Talks, Jennifer Lotito, (RED) President and COO, sits down with Bernard Colombo, President of Roche Diagnostics for the Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America Region, to discuss Roche’s efforts to raise awareness around the importance of testing and diagnostics in fighting pandemics. They’ll also chat about the power of partnership in ending HIV/AIDS.

This episode is generously sponsored by Roche Diagnostics.

  • Key questions addressed in this episode:
  • -When was the first time Bernard Colombo heard about AIDS and what made him get into the medicine and life sciences industry? 
  • -What was Bernard Colombo’s career trajectory, and how did he eventually end up at Roche? 
  • -How has testing and diagnostics changed over the years and where are there gaps today? 
  • -What is the importance of testing in the HIV fight? 
  • -How has access to testing impacted Bernard Colombo’s life and how has it shaped his outlook going forward? 
  • -What does the word partnership mean to Bernard Colombo and how is Roche advancing that value? 
  • –How do private-public partnerships work and why are they so important to the AIDS fight? 
  • -What is giving Bernard Colombo optimism that a future without HIV and AIDS is possible?

The post (RED) Talks—Empowered Partners: Roche appeared first on RED.

]]> (RED) Talks—Combating HIV: Girls & Young Women https://www.red.org/reditorial/red-talks/red-talks-combating-hiv-girls-young-women/ Tue, 10 Oct 2023 21:17:14 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1126 In this episode of (RED) Talks, (RED) President and COO, Jennifer Lotito is accompanied by Cathy Ferrier, Head of Positive Action, @ViiV Healthcare, Rukia Männikkö, Community, Rights and Gender Regional Advisor & Focal Point for Africa and Middle East, @The Global Fund, Yacine Djibo, Executive Director, Speak Up Africa, and Millicent Sethaile, HER Voice Ambassador, Botswana, to explore the work that is being done to end HIV and AIDS in adolescent girls and young women.

The post (RED) Talks—Combating HIV: Girls & Young Women appeared first on RED.

]]> We’re back with another episode of (RED) Talks, our digital series of frank conversations exploring the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS, its impact on marginalized communities, and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investment.

Every day, over 550 young women contract HIV. To end this injustice, we must increase programs that h​​elp empower young women and girls to be in control of their health and well-being.

Ahead of International Day of the Girl, Cathy Ferrier, Head of Positive Action, ViiV Healthcare, Rukia Männikkö, Community, Rights and Gender Regional Advisor & Focal Point for Africa and Middle East, The Global Fund, Yacine Djibo, Executive Director, Speak Up Africa, and Millicent Sethaile, HER Voice Ambassador, Botswana, join Jennifer Lotito, (RED) President and COO, for an episode of (RED) Talks exploring the work that’s being done to end HIV and AIDS in adolescent girls and young women.

This episode of (RED) Talks is generously sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.

  • Key questions addressed in this episode:
  • – Where are we in the AIDS crisis today and how and why are women and girls hit the hardest by this crisis? 
  • -What are some of the efforts being done by ViiV Healthcare regarding HIV and AIDS, especially in priority populations such as adolescent girls and young women? 
  • -What is some of the work being done by Yacine Djibo from Speak Up Africa regarding women and girls in West and Central Africa? 
  • -From Yacine Djibo’s vantage point, what types of policies and initiatives should be invested in to empower women and girls to ensure they have a voice in decisions that affect their health and well-being? 
  • -What motivated Millicent Sethaile to become a HER Voice ambassador? How did the role in the HER Voice fund impact Millicent’s life and the lives of adolescent girls and women? 
  • -From Millicent’s perspective, what should be done to empower adolescent girls and young women to ensure they have a voice in decisions that affect their health and well-being? 
  • -Beyond the HER Voice program, what are some of the other ways the Global Fund is improving global health for women and girls? When companies partner with (RED) to support the Global fund, what types of programs are those grants supporting? 
  • –Recently, the Global Fund, ViiV, and GSK partnered on a new initiative and fund focused on women and girls. What makes this particular partnership special and unique? 
  • -What is one trend or innovation that is being seen in global health that showcases hope for women and girls?

The post (RED) Talks—Combating HIV: Girls & Young Women appeared first on RED.

]]> (RED) Talks—Empowered Partners: ViiV Healthcare https://www.red.org/reditorial/red-talks/empowered-partners-viiv-healthcare/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 21:15:00 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1123 In this episode of (RED) Talks, (RED) President and COO, Jennifer Lotito and CEO of @ViiVhealthcareHIV and President of GSK Global Health, Deborah Waterhouse discuss the power of partnership in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

The post (RED) Talks—Empowered Partners: ViiV Healthcare appeared first on RED.

]]> We’re back with another episode of (RED) Talks, our digital series of frank conversations exploring the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS, its impact on marginalized communities, and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investment.

Many of the biggest challenges facing the HIV/AIDS fight, including access and equity, are too great for any single organization or company to solve.

Only by working together are we able to make 1+1=3. In this episode of (RED) Talks, Deborah Waterhouse, CEO of ViiV Healthcare and President of GSK Global Health, joins Jennifer Lotito, President and COO of (RED), to explore the power of partnership in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

This series is generously sponsored by ViiV Healthcare.

  • Key questions addressed in this episode:
  • – The average life expectancy of somebody living with HIV has changed exponentially. What impact has this had in shaping Deborah Waterhouse’s career? What’s changed and what hasn’t in the AIDS fight?
  • – How did Deborah Waterhouse’s broad range of experience help shape her career and forge her leadership style? 
  • – What advice could be given to young women and girls who are hoping to get into the life science field and someday climb the corporate ladder? 
  • – What are the origins of the ViiV model and what prompted GSK and Pfizer to establish an HIV and AIDS-focused business? 
  • – What does the word partnership mean to Deborah Waterhouse and how is ViiV Healthcare advancing the value of partnership? 
  • – What is encouraging Deborah Waterhouse in the AIDS fight?

The post (RED) Talks—Empowered Partners: ViiV Healthcare appeared first on RED.

]]> (RED) Talks—From Harm to Hope: Harm Reduction in the Fight Against HIV https://www.red.org/reditorial/learn/red-talks-from-harm-to-hope-harm-reduction-in-the-fight-against-hiv/ Fri, 05 May 2023 21:10:00 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1109 In this episode of (RED) Talks, (RED) President and COO Jennifer Lotito and Jenny Cozins, Director, Strategic Partnerships- Positive Action, ViiV Healthcare, discuss harm reduction in the AIDS fight, and efforts to reduce the risks associated with drug use that increase HIV infection rates.

The post (RED) Talks—From Harm to Hope: Harm Reduction in the Fight Against HIV appeared first on RED.

]]> We’re back with another episode of (RED) Talks, our digital series of frank conversations exploring the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS, its impact on marginalized communities, and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investment.

(RED), the organization co-founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver to fight AIDS and the injustices that enable pandemics to thrive, is proud to announce the second season of (RED) Talks, sponsored by ViiV Healthcare. This multi-part, digital series of frank conversations will examine the current state of the AIDS fight, its impact on marginalized communities – including women and girls – and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investments in the AIDS fight.

To mark Harm Reduction Day (May 7th), (RED) President and COO Jennifer Lotito will sit down with Jenny Cozins, Director, Strategic Partnerships – Positive Action, ViiV Healthcare to discuss harm reduction in the AIDS fight, and efforts to reduce the risks associated with drug use that increase HIV infection rates. In 2019, roughly 10% of all new HIV infections were among people who inject drugs. If we want to end the threat of AIDS, we must stop the discrimination, stigma and spread by supporting life-saving interventions and programs that target those who are most vulnerable.

  • Key questions addressed in this episode:
  • -What is the significance of Harm Reduction Day and what does the data tell us about the nexus between the people who inject drugs and the fight against HIV? 
  • -How did the issue of HIV become a priority for ViiV Healthcare?
  • -How is ViiV Healthcare working to address the problems of the gender gap in harm reduction? 
  • -How have the programs from ViiV Healthcare changed the lives of humans? In particular, the story of Marvin in Wakiso, Uganda? 
  • -What are some of the similarities and differences in the harm reduction efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia? 
  • -How does one reduce both societal stigma towards people living with HIV, and self-stigma to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable accessing vital healthcare services? 
  • -What is something that can be discussed that can share a positive note and hope for the fight in where we’re going in the future?

The post (RED) Talks—From Harm to Hope: Harm Reduction in the Fight Against HIV appeared first on RED.

]]> Join (RED) This International Women’s Day https://www.red.org/reditorial/women-girls/international-womens-day-2023/ Wed, 08 Mar 2023 17:11:08 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1623 Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day, a global holiday to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness around discrimination, and take action to drive gender equality. (RED) and our partners are proud to support the incredible female healthcare workers and activists who are making the world a smarter, safer, and healthier... Read more »

The post Join (RED) This International Women’s Day appeared first on RED.

]]> Today, March 8th, is International Women’s Day, a global holiday to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness around discrimination, and take action to drive gender equality.

(RED) and our partners are proud to support the incredible female healthcare workers and activists who are making the world a smarter, safer, and healthier place.

Check out our International Women’s Day 2023 video:

The post Join (RED) This International Women’s Day appeared first on RED.

]]> 5 Things You Need to Know About PrEP https://www.red.org/reditorial/aids-information/5-things-to-know-about-prep-pre-exposure-prophylaxis/ Fri, 03 Mar 2023 17:46:39 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1644 You may have heard of PrEP, but how much do you really know about it? We’ve broken down the basics: 1. What is PreP? PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a medication that prevents people who are HIV-negative from acquiring HIV. Ensuring access to PrEP is part of a comprehensive... Read more »

The post 5 Things You Need to Know About PrEP appeared first on RED.

]]> You may have heard of PrEP, but how much do you really know about it? We’ve broken down the basics:

1. What is PreP?

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a medication that prevents people who are HIV-negative from acquiring HIV. Ensuring access to PrEP is part of a comprehensive approach to prevent the spread of HIV.

2. Does PrEP really work?

YES! PrEP eliminates the risk of acquiring HIV from sex by about 99% when adhered to as prescribed.

3. How can PrEP protect people from HIV?

If your partner lives with HIV and is not on an ARV treatment, you’re at an increased risk of contracting the virus. This is where PrEP can intervene. PrEP can effectively protect HIV-negative individuals from contracting the virus from HIV-positive partners. It’s an easy, once-daily pill that reduces the risk and worry of transmission. Today, there are even more low-maintenance PrEP options that protect individuals from HIV with just a few treatments per year.

0 Million

people were newly infected with HIV in 2022

0 %

of people in the US who could benefit from PrEP are taking it

4. Why is PrEP important?

PrEP has been proven to prevent HIV in many diverse groups: gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, and heterosexual men and women. PrEP is especially important for people at heightened risk of acquiring HIV, like people with an HIV-positive partner or people who are unaware of their partner’s HIV status.

5. Can everyone access PrEP around the world?

If you live in New York, for example, accessing and using PrEP is relatively easy and common. However, if you cross the globe to Nairobi, PrEP prices are extremely high and access is low. Unfortunately, this is the case in many low- and middle- income countries. That’s why the Global Fund, the organization that receives all money (RED) raises, helps fund the provision of PrEP to ensure that community prevention efforts can include this important tool.

As more effective and low-risk HIV medicines come on the market, it’s important that where you live doesn’t determine quality of care. Beyond affordability, other barriers such as stigma and lack of awareness around HIV must be addressed through community sensitization and education on the value of PrEP. (RED)-supported Global Fund grants help fund programs that lower barriers to consistent and effective use of PrEP.

Sources: UNAIDS, CDC, Healthline

The post 5 Things You Need to Know About PrEP appeared first on RED.

]]> (RED) Talks—The Honey Pot Company’s Beatrice Dixon on Fighting Global Health Inequalities https://www.red.org/reditorial/red-talks/reditorial-red-talks-the-honey-pot-companys-beatrice-dixon-on-fighting-global-health-inequalities-s1-ep-4/ Mon, 19 Dec 2022 21:06:00 +0000 https://red.org/?p=1100 In the fourth episode of (RED) Talks, (RED) President and COO, Jennifer Lotito and CEO & Co-founder of The Honey Pot Company, Beatrice Dixon, share a powerful conversation about global health inequalities.

The post (RED) Talks—The Honey Pot Company’s Beatrice Dixon on Fighting Global Health Inequalities appeared first on RED.

]]> We’re back with another episode of (RED) Talks, our digital series of frank conversations exploring the current state of the fight against HIV/AIDS, its impact on marginalized communities, and present opportunities to shine a spotlight on the need for investment.

Beatrice Dixon, CEO & Co-founder of The Honey Pot Company, joined Jennifer Lotito, President & COO of (RED), for a powerful conversation about global health inequalities and how The Honey Pot Company and (RED) are fighting to ensure everyone, everywhere has access to critical resources.

  • Key questions addressed in this episode:
  • – What is the Honey Pot Company?
  • – What has the experience of being a woman entrepreneur been like for The Honey Pot Company CEO and Co-founder, Beatrice Dixon? 
  • – How do health injustices resonate with Beatrice Dixon and how has this related to The Honey Pot Company? 
  • – What made Beatrice Dixon partner with (RED)?
  • – Where can you purchase The Honey Pot Company products?

The post (RED) Talks—The Honey Pot Company’s Beatrice Dixon on Fighting Global Health Inequalities appeared first on RED.

]]>