The American multinational retail corporation, Walmart Inc., has decided to leverage its vast pharmacy network to make available clinical services, such as testing and medication, to individuals living with HIV/AIDS
On December 1, World AIDS Day, the company announced the opening of three specialty pharmacies operated by teams trained exclusively in HIV/AIDS medications and their potential negative effects. The company emphasized that the team of pharmacists would work, hand in hand, with healthcare personnel to help oversee all areas of care, including accessing emotional support facilities.
The company has decided to build centers called Specialty Pharmacies of the Community as part of its new initiative. These pharmacies would be centers of clinical excellence in the treatment of various diseases. Three of such specialty pharmacies have already been opened by the company – 2 presently in Georgia and one in Florida.
On Thursday, a Bentonville-based retailer, who also served as a Walmart spokesperson, made it known that Walmart Inc. was planning on building more of such centers but was not ready to disclose any information on the project yet. She added that AIDS disproportionately affects communities of color, particularly in the South.
According to Walmart, there are presently 250,000 people in the Southern region of the United States living with HIV/AIDS who do not have access to medical care. This brings to light the urgent need for HIV testing, awareness, and prevention.
