How woke is ViiV Healthcare?

Introduction

ViiV Healthcare, a pharmaceutical company specializing in HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, operates with a mission to ensure no person living with HIV is left behind. Founded in 2009 through a joint venture between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Pfizer and later joined by Shionogi in 2012, ViiV Healthcare holds a significant share of the global HIV therapy market. This company’s holistic approach focuses on innovative treatments, robust community engagement, and an unwavering commitment to social activism.

Financial Contributions to Progressive Causes

ViiV Healthcare has made substantial financial contributions to progressive causes, strongly emphasizing gender equality and HIV care. In collaboration with GSK and the Global Fund, ViiV committed $7.5 million over three years to the Gender Equality Fund, which aims to empower women, girls, and gender-diverse communities.

An article by the Global Fund quotes Deborah Waterhouse, CEO of ViiV Healthcare and President of GSK Global Health: “It is still a fact that globally, adolescent girls, young women and gender-diverse communities experience higher rates of gender-based violence, stigma, and discrimination, contributing to poorer health outcomes and preventing them from realizing their full potential.”

Prioritization of DEI Policies

Through its actions, ViiV Healthcare shows a genuine commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

The company has set ambitious targets for gender and ethnic diversity in senior leadership roles, aiming for over 45% female representation globally and at least 30% ethnically diverse leaders in the US by 2025.

According to ViiV Healthcare’s Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity page: “This starts with our mission to leave no person living with HIV behind. That means ensuring we are supporting people living with HIV around the world, no matter their race, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender or nationality.”

Mandatory Training Sessions

ViiV Healthcare provides inclusion training and a development program specifically designed for ethnically diverse employees. The company plans to expand these offerings in the future to support a more inclusive environment.

 

In their words: “Inclusion and diversity are at the heart of our culture and how we operate as a company. We strive to unite talented and diverse people whose unique experience, knowledge and personal perspectives strengthen us as a team and a business.”

Support for LGBTQ+ Initiatives

ViiV Healthcare’s support for LGBTQ+ initiatives is robust. The company actively participates in global Pride events and other initiatives, such as AIDS Walk New York.

Their Positive Action programs address disparities in HIV care for marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community.

ViiV also partners with media and organizations to amplify their support. Notable campaigns include a partnership with RuPaul’s Drag Race to educate the LGBTQ+ community about HIV prevention options.

Marketing and Branding

ViiV Healthcare closely aligns its marketing and branding efforts with its goals for social activism. The company employs sophisticated digital marketing tools to reach healthcare professionals and patients effectively.

Campaigns like “Me in You, You in Me,” featuring celebrities such as Tinashe and Taye Diggs, aim to normalize HIV prevention and promote community involvement.

Fierce Pharma reports: “This is specific to gay and bisexual men and the transgender community, with the campaign launched as a “one-of-a-kind HIV prevention PSA” according to a ViiV spokesperson, “that is both a campaign and a community movement-building initiative.”

Conclusion

ViiV Healthcare has broadened its focus from HIV medication development to social activism and diversity initiatives. This shift to wokeness involves DEI investments and LGBTQ+ partnerships. Supporters view it as a holistic healthcare approach, while critics argue it may divert resources from crucial pharmaceutical research.