A global team of experts is urging the US government to extend funding for the landmark HIV/AIDS relief program PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) by at least five years. If support ends, 1 million more children could contract HIV by 2030, and nearly 500,000 could die from AIDS-related causes.
PEPFAR has saved 25 million lives globally since its launch in 2003, supported 7 million orphans and vulnerable children, and enabled 5.5 million babies to be born HIV-free. However, the future of PEPFAR remains uncertain due to a lack of funding plan after US foreign aid was paused following an executive order.
The proposal for a five-year “runway” aims to transition PEPFAR’s work to African governments and communities by 2030. There is already evidence that this is viable, with domestic health spending in PEPFAR-supported countries increasing by 212% between 2004 and 2021.
Lawmakers are also raising their voices, emphasizing the strategic importance of continued investment in PEPFAR. The program has coincided with a fourfold increase in US exports to Africa, totaling $71.6 billion in 2024.
Global public health experts argue that strong global health systems reduce forced migration, prevent future pandemics, and foster stable international partnerships. “It’s not a handout,” said Dr. Susan Hillis, co-author of the study. “It might be a hand up.”
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/International/5-year-lifeline-save-pepfar-millions-children-hiv/story?id=120662805