Today, there are 36.9 million people living with HIV/AIDS and more than 95% of those living with HIV are in developing countries where access to effective health care is often challenging. In an age of unprecedented health innovation, these numbers are unacceptable. Goal 17 of the Sustainable Development Goals encourages global partnerships and cooperation of governments, organizations, business and non-profits for sustainable development. When we convene at the 21st International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2016) this July, we – the public and private sectors, community leaders and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) alike – must join together to address this epidemic that continues to devastate communities.

Some of Chevron’s largest operations are located where the grip of AIDS is the strongest. And because fighting HIV/AIDS is a challenge in many places we call home, it is also challenging to our business. At the outbreak of the epidemic in the 1980s, we recognized the need to raise our employee’s awareness and reduce the stigma of HIV/AIDS, so we got involved. What started as a focus on supporting our employees grew into an effort to support and engage their families, children and eventually entire communities. This evolution helped us realize the significant role a multinational company can play in solving some of the world’s most pressing social issues- including improving access to health care aimed at eradicating diseases.