Gilead Sciences launches awards to celebrate and amplify the impactful work of community-based organizations across Australia, Canada and Europe

                                                                                                                            *** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

Gilead Sciences launches awards to celebrate and amplify the impactful work of community-based organizations across Australia, Canada and Europe

The Gilead Community Awards recognizes the exceptional contribution of community groups and individuals working in HIV, liver diseases and oncology to educate, remove barriers and improve access to care and to help people live healthier lives

On November 8, 2023, Gilead Sciences Europe Ltd. welcomed approximately 100 Gilead grantees to the inaugural Gilead Community Awards in Madrid, Spain. Following a rigorous assessment of 60 award applications in partnership with Charities Aid Foundation (CAF), the event recognized three community-based initiatives and one individual for exceptional work serving their communities. A People’s Choice Award was also awarded to a community group based on live votes from their peers.

The winners of the Gilead Community Awards 2023 are:

• Impact Award: Africa Advocacy Foundation, Pan-European project.

In partnership with Afrikaherz (Germany), the AIDS Solidarity Movement (Cyprus), Open Paths Athens (Greece), LHIVE Diritti e Prevenzione (Italy), Noaks Ark Mosaik (Sweden), Plateforme Prévention Sida (Belgium), Portuguese Foundation ‘A Community Against AIDS’ (FPCCSida, Portugal) and Stichting African Foundation Against Aids (Netherlands). The Africa Advocacy Foundation developed the Mi-Health HIV Partnership as a community-led initiative to address gaps in the HIV cascade of care among migrants in 10 European countries with a high prevalence of HIV.

• Innovation Award: International Network on Health and Hepatitis in Substance Users (INHSU), Switzerland. The Connecting with Care project targets the 5.8 million people living with hepatitis C globally and who use drugs, by highlighting innovative models of hepatitis C care and providing practical tools to help service providers enhance care.
• Inclusion Award: Anthony Nolan & African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT), UK.

Launched an initiative aimed at improving diversity and inequality in the Anthony Nolan Stem Cell Register, as today, patients from minority ethnic backgrounds are significantly disadvantaged when it comes to finding an unrelated lifesaving stem cell donor.

• Individual Recognition Award: Dr Massimo Barra from Italy.

Dr Massimo Barra is an Italian medical doctor and Founder of the Villa Maraini Foundation in Rome. As the leader of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Dr Barra has supported access to health for vulnerable people, especially people who use drugs, worldwide. He has also contributed to the development of humanitarian drug policy that looks beyond political and legal discussions around drug use and promotes the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs.

Mark Greer, Managing Director, Giving and Impact Services, CAF: “We are honored to work with Gilead to launch the first Gilead Community Awards that recognizes the impactful work of Gilead grantees. We look forward to supporting and further strengthening the work of the winners and runners-up in their mission to address today’s key health challenges.”

Sylvia Alfred, Director of Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences: “Gilead is committed to creating a healthier world for all. Through our corporate giving programs, we support community-based organizations that work tirelessly in their communities to improve people's lives. We are delighted to launch the Gilead Community Awards to celebrate the remarkable work of these groups, to share best practices and facilitate peer-led learning. Congratulations to all winners and finalists and thank you to all our grantees for the incredible work that you do.”

The awards and selection criteria were designed and developed in partnership with CAF, a leading charity which brings charities, businesses, and philanthropists together to simplify giving, allowing charities to focus more on the great work they do.

Winners and runners-up of the Impact, Inclusion and Innovation categories will be invited to participate in CAF’s technical support program, which will be shaped with CAF in response to each group’s organizational needs, to further strengthen their work within their local communities.

The awards ceremony formed part of a wider two-day educational event held by Gilead to support community-based organizations through skills-based training, practical hands-on workshops and opportunities for peer-to-peer learning.

Background Information:                                                        

About Gilead Sciences

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that has pursued and achieved breakthroughs in medicine for more than three decades, with the goal of creating a healthier world for all people. The company is committed to advancing innovative medicines to prevent and treat life-threatening diseases, including HIV, viral hepatitis, COVID-19, and cancer. Gilead operates in more than 35 countries worldwide, with headquarters in Foster City, California.

About Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)

Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) is a leading charity that exists to accelerate progress in society towards a fair and sustainable future for all. CAF uses its unique position to bring charities, business, and philanthropists together to simplify giving, allowing charities to focus more on the great work they do.

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This meeting is organized and funded by Gilead Sciences Europe Ltd.

Date of preparation: October 2023