HIV organization NMAC, in partnership with Alchemy, which builds and operates in-house pharmacies, has announced that the basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, a renowned entrepreneur and advocate for people living with HIV, will headline this year’s United States Conference on HIV/AIDS (USCHA) in Washington, DC, which will take place from September 4 to 7. He’s currently chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises.

 

Johnson’s celebrity stature and his lived experience underscore 2025 USCHA’s theme of “Aging With HIV,” which will celebrate the lives of people living with HIV as a testament to the biomedical progress in HIV antiretroviral treatment. USCHA will also highlight racial and health disparities that drive up HIV rates in communities of color and defy the stigma that deters people from accessing effective prevention and treatment options.

 

“I’ve lived through every phase of the HIV epidemic—from the fear and grief of the early days to the transformative breakthroughs that have turned HIV into a manageable chronic condition,” said Johnson. “For decades, I’ve worked to raise awareness around HIV treatment and prevention through my foundation, and partnering with Alchemy is the next chapter in that mission. Together, we’re building pharmacies inside HIV-focused clinics and making sure everyone, no matter where they live, has access to the high-quality, affordable care they deserve.”

 

Johnson continued, “As someone who’s been living with HIV for more than 30 years, I’m honored to now extend that partnership through Alchemy to work with NMAC and keynote this year’s USCHA and speak about what it means to age—and thrive—with HIV.”

 

Harold Phillips, deputy director of programs at NMAC, said, “HIV may not be making headlines the way it once did, but it remains a pressing crisis—especially for communities of color and LGBTQ individuals, who continue to face systemic barriers to health care. The lack of mainstream coverage can make it seem like the epidemic is behind us, but the reality is far different. And now, with unprecedented funding cuts and the erosion of bipartisan support for the programs that have held our HIV infrastructure together, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads.”

 

Phillips added, “That’s why I am especially grateful for our growing partnership with Alchemy, which has created an incredible opportunity to bring USCHA to the forefront as a platform to amplify the voice of Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson. As someone who is also living and aging with HIV, I deeply understand the importance of visibility and leadership. More than 50% of people living with HIV are now over 50, and Johnson’s unwavering advocacy resonates profoundly with the work we do at NMAC. His dedication reflects the mission of USCHA—uniting the HIV community, celebrating resilience and driving action. His voice, alongside ours, is a powerful reminder that this fight is far from over.”