In 2003, two political leaders with opposing views in the U.S. Senate joined forces to support President George W. Bush in authorizing the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This groundbreaking program was a response to the spiraling global AIDS crisis and aimed at saving lives above political differences. Fast forward to today, and PEPFAR has been nothing short of miraculous, with 25 million people alive today because of its interventions. However, the future of this life-saving program is now at risk and requires urgent attention from lawmakers.
PEPFAR, according to the State Department, stands as the largest commitment ever made by any nation to address a single disease. Through critical investments in over 50 countries, PEPFAR has enabled 5.5 million babies to be born HIV-free, provided care for more than 7 million orphans and vulnerable children, and supported countless individuals living with HIV/AIDS. These achievements make PEPFAR one of the most successful health programs in history.
PEPFAR has played a vital role in protecting children from AIDS and orphanhood. By providing life-saving treatment to 1.5 million children globally, the program has witnessed an 80% decrease in deaths of infants and young children due to AIDS. Furthermore, recent research reveals that PEPFAR has significantly reduced the number of children orphaned due to AIDS, from 1.6 million new orphans annually in 2004 to 382,000 in 2021. This extraordinary impact on child welfare highlights the critical role PEPFAR plays in communities worldwide.
Research conducted by the Bipartisan Policy Center shows that PEPFAR has not only reduced HIV infections but also all-cause mortality in countries with greater PEPFAR resources. In these nations, new HIV infections decreased by 21%, while mortality rates for all causes fell an additional 34%. These outcomes demonstrate the program’s far-reaching impact on health outcomes beyond HIV, making PEPFAR an invaluable investment in public health worldwide.
PEPFAR’s investments in global public health serve as a critical defense against epidemics and emerging diseases. The program’s support for public health infrastructure in various countries contributes to the capacity to address infectious disease outbreaks. In fact, research by the Bipartisan Policy Center highlights that countries receiving little or no PEPFAR investment experienced more pronounced increases in all-cause mortality in 2020, likely due to COVID-19. Therefore, PEPFAR’s role in strengthening health systems abroad is essential in safeguarding global health security.
PEPFAR’s impact extends beyond health, offering economic and diplomatic benefits. The Bipartisan Policy Center found that higher levels of PEPFAR funding in countries correlate with improvements in worker productivity, government effectiveness, and rule of law. Moreover, additional PEPFAR funding is associated with greater overall approval of U.S. leadership by the populations of recipient countries. Therefore, undermining PEPFAR would not only affect global health but also have significant diplomatic consequences, particularly in Africa, where the program provides substantial support.
The Importance of Long-Term Planning
Providing long-term strategic planning is crucial for effective health programs, and PEPFAR has delivered on this front through 5-year reauthorizations. Such predictable funding has built trust among the 50+ countries receiving PEPFAR support and ensures the continuity of life-saving programs. However, relying on single-year or short-term reauthorizations and sowing doubts about bipartisan support reduces confidence in the program. Thus, Congress must uphold its commitment to PEPFAR and provide a strong, 5-year reauthorization.
In an era of severe partisan divide, the fight to end AIDS stands out as one of the few priorities that unites both political parties. While challenges have arisen in the past, Congress has consistently worked through them to save lives. Now, more than ever, lawmakers must remain focused on this historic opportunity and utilize the tools already at their disposal. The consequence of allowing the future of PEPFAR to slip away would be catastrophic, and history would judge this failure harshly.
PEPFAR’s impact on global health is undeniable, with 25 million lives saved to date. The urgent need for reauthorization cannot be overshadowed by budget and leadership issues. By recommitting to this landmark program through a 5-year reauthorization, lawmakers can ensure the continuation of PEPFAR’s life-saving interventions. It is imperative that we seize this opportunity and work together, as we have done before, to end AIDS once and for all. Failure to do so would undermine the trust of our global partners and have dire consequences for the health, well-being, and development of communities around the world.