- United States
- Maine
- Letter
Reverse Trump’s Halt of H.I.V. Drug Distribution in Poor Countries
To: Sen. Collins, Rep. Pingree, Sen. King
From: A verified voter in Cumberland Center, ME
January 28
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding recent actions that undermine the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a global health initiative that has saved over 25 million lives since its inception under President George W. Bush. Specifically, the decision to freeze funding and halt the distribution of life-saving HIV medications purchased with U.S. aid is a matter of urgent humanitarian and public health importance. The consequences of this funding freeze are devastating. Clinics have canceled appointments, and patients in low-income countries are being denied treatment. Without consistent access to antiretroviral therapies, people with HIV face rapid deterioration in their health, and the likelihood of the virus spreading—both within communities and globally—dramatically increases. Alarmingly, treatment interruptions could also give rise to drug-resistant strains of HIV, posing an even greater challenge to global health. The directive barring U.S. officials from collaborating with the World Health Organization and other international partners further hampers efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, leaving vital global health programs in disarray. Countries heavily reliant on PEPFAR funding, particularly those with limited domestic resources, are now at significant risk of losing ground in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Ending or scaling back PEPFAR would result in catastrophic outcomes. Studies estimate that up to 600,000 lives could be lost in South Africa alone over the next decade if the program ends, and many poorer nations would fare far worse. The ripple effects of such a decision would jeopardize decades of progress in global health, leaving millions of lives hanging in the balance. As your constituent, I urge you to advocate for the immediate restoration of PEPFAR funding and operations. Supporting PEPFAR is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in global stability and public health. This program represents the best of American values—compassion, leadership, and a commitment to saving lives. Please use your position to ensure that the United States continues its essential role in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Lives depend on it. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I would appreciate hearing how you plan to address this issue and ensure the continuation of PEPFAR’s critical work.
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