Founded in 1992, the Elton John AIDS Foundation is a leading global organization fighting AIDS. In collaboration with Zipline, a logistics company, and the Kisumu County government, the Foundation is improving access to HIV medication and testing kits across Kenya.
Kenya, which has the third-largest HIV epidemic globally with around 1.7 million people living with the virus, sees 42% of new cases among young people aged 15 to 24. The new program allows medical providers to order supplies from Zipline with deliveries possible in as little as 30 minutes. The initiative aims to support over 14,000 young people with regular HIV testing, help 8,000 at-risk adolescents start PrEP, and provide treatment for over 1,000 youth living with HIV as part of a three-year plan.
Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, emphasized the importance of equal access to medication: “This partnership with Zipline and local organizations will ensure necessary medications are delivered efficiently and effectively, reaching young people where they are.”
Elton John also stressed the global duty to address HIV, stating, “Ensuring equal access to treatment and prevention is key to ending AIDS.”
Kisumu County Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o praised Zipline’s impact, noting, “Their instant logistics system enhances care quality and healthcare worker satisfaction. Integrating this into Kenya’s health system will ensure timely medication access and better health education.”
The Foundation also collaborates with Kasha, a partner addressing barriers such as stigma and transportation. Kasha offers a range of health products and personalized information with deliveries within 24 hours. Their AI technology helps anticipate and address treatment adherence issues, ensuring ongoing support.
Together, these efforts are transforming HIV care for young people by combining advanced logistics and AI technology for more proactive and convenient treatment.