15 years fighting AIDS with (RED): Apple helps raise nearly US$270 million

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  01 December 2021

  UPDATE

  15 years fighting AIDS with (RED): Apple helps raise nearly US$270 million

  On World AIDS Day, Apple offers new ways to support (RED)’s critical work to combat HIV/AIDS and COVID-19

  Over the past 15 years, Apple customers have played a critical role in (RED)’s fight to end AIDS through support to the Global Fund, which provides critical access to healthcare services in communities most in need in sub-Saharan Africa. As COVID-19 continues to impact communities around the world, including those living with HIV, the fight to end global pandemics is more urgent than ever.

  To honor World AIDS Day this year, Apple is offering new ways for customers to learn, engage, and donate — raising funds and awareness to support people on the front lines of both AIDS and COVID-19.

  Since 2006, Apple customers have helped raise nearly US$270 million to fund prevention, testing, and counseling services for people impacted by HIV/AIDS. Apple-supported grants have enabled care and support services for over 11 million people, provided over 192 million HIV tests, and allowed over 13.8 million people access to lifesaving antiretroviral treatments. In 2020 alone, Apple’s support for (RED) helped prevent over 145,000 HIV-positive mothers from passing the virus on to their babies.

  With support from Apple, (RED) has been able to expand its scope to provide additional services and support to the vulnerable communities that are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Over the past 18 months, COVID-19 has created new challenges in accessing care, diagnostics, and supplies, often further stretching crucial HIV/AIDS programs. To meet these challenges, Apple was one of the first companies to shift attention and resources to the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response.

  By redirecting donations to the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response at the onset of the pandemic, Apple customers were able to help fund programs that mitigated the impact of COVID-19 on existing HIV/AIDS programs. In Zambia, local clinics were able to purchase motorbikes that were used to deliver lifesaving HIV treatment to local communities when in-person visits declined due to COVID-19. This year, support from Apple and its customers helped fund programs in Ghana that gave medical providers the resources to procure bulk supplies so they could make multi-month deliveries to those most at risk, reducing their potential exposure to viral infection.

  Support Efforts to End HIV, AIDS, and COVID-19

  This year, Apple is offering more ways than ever for customers to support (RED) and its critical work through (PRODUCT)RED devices and accessories, an Apple Pay donation program, and special service collections.

  Apple is offering a range of new (PRODUCT)RED devices and accessories this holiday season, including iPhone 13 (PRODUCT)RED, iPhone 13 mini (PRODUCT)RED, and Apple Watch Series 7 (PRODUCT)RED. A portion of the proceeds from every (PRODUCT)RED purchase goes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS. Through the end of next year, half of the eligible proceeds from (PRODUCT)RED purchases will be redirected to the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on the fight to end AIDS.

  Now through December 6, Apple is donating US$1 to the Global Fund for every purchase made with Apple Pay on apple.com, in the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Store.¹ Every donation will help fund (RED)’s fight against AIDS and COVID-19.

  Starting today, Apple Watch users can show their support for (RED) directly from their wrist with a selection of six Apple Watch faces in red available for download from apple.com/hk/en/product-red.² Once downloaded, these faces can also be shared with other Apple Watch users with Face Sharing. The watch faces pair with the new Apple Watch Series 7 PRODUCT(RED) aluminum case, made from 100 percent recycled aerospace-grade alloy as well as PRODUCT(RED) Braided Solo Loop, Sport Band, and Sport Loop bands.

  Spreading Awareness

  To raise visibility for World AIDS Day and the ongoing effort to eradicate HIV/AIDS, hundreds of Apple Store locations are marking the week with red logos or window displays.

  Across Apple’s services, the company is also offering a variety of ways for customers to learn more about the pandemic and honor those whose lives have been affected. The App Store is highlighting Positive Singles, an inclusive dating app that connects singles living with HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. The app also provides tips and resources for those who have been recently diagnosed and are looking for helpful information.

  In the US, Apple Books will feature collections of books and audiobooks, including nonfiction books about the global fight against HIV/AIDS and fiction books from around the world. Apple Podcasts will feature shows that examine the state of the global AIDS crisis, including episodes that investigate how racism has inhibited access to quality care, describe the latest in preventative medicine and how it’s been unevenly distributed, and explain why there still isn’t a cure. On Apple Music, subscribers can listen to a curated selection of music programming, radio episodes, and more in a special Apple Music feature in recognition of World AIDS Day. And Apple TV app users can explore a riveting collection of TV shows and movies on the Watch Now tab that reveal the human cost of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

  1. Donations are limited to a maximum of US$1 million. The donation goes to the Global Fund to support the fight against AIDS and COVID-19.
     
  2. Requires iOS 14.5 or later and watchOS 7.4 or later. The Color and Numerals Mono watch faces are compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 or later.

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