March 22, 2010

ViiV Healthcare Seeks Grant Proposals Regarding Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission

ViiV Healthcare, a global HIV-focused company launched by GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer in 2009, is seeking requests for grants for programs focused on preventing mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. The health care giant will award the grants through its Positive Action for Children Fund, which will invest $76 million in programs focused on preventing MTCT and improving the overall health and well-being of women, orphans and vulnerable children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS around the world.

The fund, which was set up in July 2009, will focus on grants that follow the four elements of the World Health Organization’s comprehensive approach to fighting MTCT of HIV. They include: increasing and improving primary HIV prevention among women of childbearing age; delivering reasonable reproductive choices for people living with HIV; supporting interventions that prevent MTCT of HIV; and improving the health and welfare of HIV-positive mothers, their children and their families through appropriate treatment, care and support.

“Supporting the most vulnerable populations is core to ViiV Healthcare’s commitment to those affected by HIV and AIDS,” said Dominique Limet, CEO of ViiV Healthcare. “Community-based programs have long been critical to successful HIV prevention, care and treatment. Through the Positive Action for Children Fund, we are assisting community initiatives tackling the problem of mother-to-child HIV transmission in systemic and sustainable ways.”

At least 80 percent of supported projects will be focused on sub-Saharan Africa, while up to 20 percent may go elsewhere.

Proposals must be received by midnight, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), Friday, May 7. Click here for details about the proposal process and to download an application form.

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