In a groundbreaking initiative to combat HIV disparities among Black communities, ViiV Healthcare has joined forces with Alabama State University (ASU) to bring HIV education and awareness directly to campus during the university’s homecoming weekend.
The partnership aims to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black Americans, who accounted for 38% of new HIV diagnoses in 2022 despite making up only 12% of the U.S. population. With a focus on historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), the initiative seeks to promote awareness of HIV prevention methods and dispel misconceptions about the virus.
Throughout ASU’s homecoming weekend, ViiV set up activation sites across campus, offering HIV education and testing services in collaboration with Five Horizons Health Centers. The company organized various activities, including tailgating events featuring face painting, giveaways, and concerts, to engage students and attendees.
Bithiah Lafontant, ViiV’s director of corporate communications, emphasized the importance of addressing health disparities: “The reason we haven’t ended the epidemic is because of health disparities. There are some communities that are benefiting more than others.”
The initiative also aims to educate students about modern HIV prevention options, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), available as both long-acting injectables and daily oral pills.
By bringing vital HIV prevention messaging and resources to the heart of the ASU experience, ViiV and ASU hope to spark important conversations and facilitate lasting connections to care that will continue beyond homecoming.
See “At HBCU Alabama State, Homecoming Highlighted HIV Awareness” (October 10, 2024)