(RED) is a nonprofit organization that helps to combat HIV/AIDS in Africa. Its program works in a way such that it announces several "(PRODUCT) RED" special edition hardware and services with support from its global partners. 100% of the proceedings from people who purchase these products go to a global fund fighting HIV/AIDS in Africa. With the pandemic now prevalent all over the world, this fund has been expanded to include COVID-19 as well.
Apple partnered with (RED) back in 2006 and has launched PRODUCT(RED) hardware from time to time. Now, the company has stated that it is expanding its partnership and has released new statistics to highlight the positive impact this collaboration has been having as well.
Apple has stated that since its partnership with (RED) in 2006, it has raised over $250 million in grants serving almost 11 million people. 167 million HIV tests have been conducted using this funding and almost 14 million are being given access to critical antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. The $250 million figure is a notable increase from the $160 million we reported in 2018. Overall, (RED) touts over $650 million raised since launch, which means that a sizable chunk comes from Apple"s funding.
With the ongoing pandemic, the global fund is now also being used for protecting people against COVID-19 as well. Apple further went on to say that:
These funds have allowed for additional contact tracing in South Africa, helped secure critical personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers and emergency medical equipment in Ghana, and enabled the purchase of motorbikes to deliver HIV treatment to local communities that have been unable to seek in-person health services due to COVID-19. Apple also donated millions of units of PPE to the Ministry of Health in Zambia, including both surgical masks sourced from its supply chain as well as face shields designed and produced by Apple.
Moving forward, Apple is expanding its partnership to raise more funds. It has launched (PRODUCT)RED devices and accessories that you can find here. 100% of eligible proceedings will go to (RED)"s global fund. This will continue until June 30, 2021. Furthermore, until December 7, the company will be contributing $1 for every purchase made with Apple Pay on its website, an App Store app, or at an Apple Store, towards this fund.
To increase awareness, its physical stores will host red logos and window displays. Several tracks on Apple Music are being released in collaboration with (RED). Finally, the firm will be highlighting (PRODUCT)RED in the App Store, and will feature apps and content related to HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 there as well.