The U.S has been fighting the HIV epidemic, but every year there are still Americans are affected by HIV.
Around 37,600 people every year are infected, according to Avert.org. Apple’s new red Iphone is doing something to help with this epidemic.
A new version of Apple’s Iphone 8 and 8 Plus in red. Bringing a fresh light to the Iphone 8 which has been in the shadows of its cousin, the Iphone X.
Although the red color might be cool, they’re not selling it for the color the new Iphone is part of (PRODUCT)RED initiative. This program give a percentage of the profits from the red Iphone to the fight against HIV and AIDS.
This is the second year Apple has done this, starting with the red Iphone 7 and 7 plus; but they have been supporting the cause much longer.
Although it is unknown what percentage of the profits that goes to (RED), Apple has managed to raise $160 million for programs that will help provide counseling, testing, and medicine that prevents the transmission of HIV from a mother to her unborn child. According to Apple’s website they have been partnered with (RED) for 11 years now.
(RED) was founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to bring people together to fight against AIDS. So far they have raised about $500 million to help over 110 million people with their battle against AIDS. According to (RED)’s website the Global Fund grants have been able to provide care services world wide.
HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and AIDS is the set of symptoms and illnesses that occur in the final stage of HIV infection. According to HIV.gov more than 1.1 million people in the U.S are living with HIV, but 1 in 7 of those people don’t have a clue.
About 70 percent of gay men and women are affected by HIV along with 23 percent of heterosexuals, and 5 percent of people who get the infection through drugs. In 2016, 39,782 people were diagnosed with HIV in the U.S.
Every two minutes a teenager is infected with HIV even though it can be prevented. The more we know about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the sooner we can help stop it.
