The Dilemma: Should Black Advocates and Organizations Accept Funding from Pharmaceutical Companies?
The ongoing debate about whether agencies should accept funding from pharmaceutical companies is complex. Each organization, advocate, and coalition must make this decision based on their strategies, structure, and values, particularly in their efforts to end new HIV diagnoses and support all communities in achieving viral suppression. Regardless of the choice to accept pharmaceutical funding, it is crucial to maintain a collective commitment to respecting the autonomy of the diverse communities making decisions for their own well-being.
Below are three facts about HIV funding and Black communities:
The Black community is not receiving an equitable share of funding.
In September 2024, Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) released a report titled "People, Places, and Philanthropy: Responding to HIV in Black and Latinx Communities and the U.S. South," which highlighted concerning data about philanthropic funding for Black populations:
Cisgender and transgender Black women account for only 2% of philanthropic funding, while only 5% of U.S.-based HIV philanthropy is focused on Black same gender loving men.
The majority of philanthropic funding for Black-led agencies is provided by pharmaceutical companies.
The same report lists the top five HIV funders and three of the five are pharmaceutical companies:
1. Gilead Sciences, Inc.
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2. ViiV Healthcare
3. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
4. Yield Giving
5. MSD (Merck & Co.)
If funding Black-led agencies is the benchmark for success in ending new HIV diagnoses, then we have not yet achieved success.
Over the past twenty years, there has been a significant shift in the populations most impacted, but not a corresponding shift in funding to Black-led organizations. A true commitment to ending new HIV diagnoses would require greater investment from pharmaceutical companies, as well as federal and state governments.
The discussion persists on whether Black-led agencies should accept funding from pharmaceutical companies. I am of the opinion that any HIV funding in the United States should encompass Black-led organizations, and advocacy must continue, even if it means confronting pharma companies to guarantee that the community's best interests are always prioritized, be it through funding, programs, marketing, research, or an outright emphasis on humanity. No money should be left unclaimed because Black communities are entitled to every dollar to bolster our endeavors to end HIV.
Global Health Influencer & HIV Education Specialist | Driving Change in Clinical Education & International Health Initiatives
4 周Leisha, I found what you wrote enlightening.
Managing Consultant at Guidehouse
4 周It's appropriate to accept funding. It's not appropriate to have most of their funding come from pharma. Once an organization does that, it has lost its independent voice and ability to speak truth to power. It has been coopted and Black voices and bodies should no longer be for sale.
Driving Impact Through Strategic Marketing and Innovation | Visionary Leader in Brand Growth, Community Development, and Health Solutions
4 周Absolutely loved reading Leisha McKinley-Beach's insightful article on the funding dilemma faced by Black advocates and organizations in the fight against HIV. ?? It's a tough decision, but I wholeheartedly agree that any funding should prioritize community autonomy and engagement. As we navigate this landscape, let’s not forget the power of storytelling! ?? Black-owned organizations should also invest in marketing to effectively share their narratives and connect with funders. Our stories are compelling, and they deserve to be heard! At Correct Strategies, we specialize in helping organizations better engage with their target audiences and develop data-driven campaigns to strengthen their funding requests. Let’s ensure that every dollar for our communities counts! Here’s to continuing the conversation and ensuring that Black-led initiatives receive the support they need! ?? #HIVAwareness #CommunityEngagement #MarketingMatters