Gilead Sciences, Inc. announced the recipients of the Gilead Asia Rainbow Grants program. Launched in September of this year, the grants program is the company's first regional initiative supporting community-based projects that engage young adults, people living with HIV (PLWH) and communities impacted by HIV in Asia. More than 20 organizations from across 10 Asian markets will receive grants that will help fund the launch of projects aimed at HIV awareness, destigmatization and community support.

"At Gilead, we strive to make an impact on serious diseases not only through our medicines but also through the support that we provide to people infected and affected by these diseases," said Amy Flood, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs, Gilead Sciences. "With the Rainbow Grants program, we are helping local community groups deliver innovative campaigns that aim to combat the stigma that still exists around HIV, to provide support and tools for HIV prevention and to educate younger populations -- which unfortunately represent an increasingly at-risk group."

More than 40 non-profit organisations across Asia submitted grant proposals across three categories:

Digital Communities Grants focus on campaigns and activities that make use of social media, digital media or digital content to promote and empower both PLWH and communities disproportionately impacted by HIV.

Friendly Communities Grants support campaigns that promote awareness, education and tackle stigma, cultural awareness and capacity building training.

Youth Communities Grants target teenagers as well as schools and educators, funding programs such as counselling, community engagement and social and behavioral change.

Applications for this year's grant program came from 10 markets across Asia--Singapore, Malaysia, HongKong, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan. The proposals included bold, innovative ideas such as leveraging virtual reality for in-community exhibits, online counselling services, youth ambassador programs, radio and television shows about HIV prevention, and outreach programs to combat stigma and increase HIV testing.