Today is World AIDS Day and Apple is celebrating 15 years of partnership with (RED), an organization dedicated to fighting this disease.
Today, Apple is offering new ways for customers to learn about HIV, raise awareness and donate to help fight it. As it did last year, the company is raising funds to support efforts to fight both AIDS and COVID-19.
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Since 2006, Apple customers have helped raise nearly $270 million to fund prevention, testing, and counseling services for people affected by HIV/AIDS. Apple-backed grants have enabled care and support services for more than 11 million people, enabled 192 million HIV tests, and enabled more than 13.8 million people to access antiretroviral therapy. In 2020 alone, Apple’s support helped prevent 145,000 HIV-positive mothers from passing the virus to their babies.
Apple is now working to help address both AIDS and COVID-19, which has created new challenges in the fight against HIV. To do so, the company is offering a range of new (PRODUCT)RED devices and accessories this holiday season. The new devices include:
- iPhone 13 (PRODUCT)RED
- iPhone 13 mini (PRODUCT)RED
- Apple Watch Series 7 (PRODUCT)RED
According to Apple, a portion of the proceeds from the sales of these (PRODUCT)RED products goes directly to the Global Fund, which provides access to healthcare services to communities in need in Africa. By the end of next year, half of the proceeds from (PRODUCT)RED devices will go to the Global Fund's COVID-19 Response to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the fight to end AIDS.
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Additionally, from now through December 6, Apple is donating $1 to the Global Fund for every purchase made with Apple Pay on apple.com, in the Apple Store app or in an Apple Store. Every donation will help fund (RED)’s fight against AIDS and COVID-19.
As for Apple Watch users, they can show their support for (RED) directly, with a selection of six Apple Watch faces in red, available for download here.
World AIDS Day: Apple raises awareness around the world
In addition to the above, Apple is doing other things to raise awareness. For example, it is highlighting Positive Singles in the App Store, a dating app that connects people living with HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. The app also provides advice and resources for those who have recently been diagnosed and are looking for helpful information.
Additionally, in the US, Apple Books will feature collections of books and audiobooks to support the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
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On Apple Podcasts, one will also be able to find shows that analyze the state of the global AIDS crisis, the racism that those with the disease often experience, and other important topics.
On Apple Music, subscribers can listen to select programs in a special Apple Music feature related to World AIDS Day.
Finally, Apple TV app users can explore a collection of TV shows and movies about AIDS in the Watch Now tab.
Source: 9to5mac
