Support PEPFAR and Protect Global HIV/AIDS Programs!

I am writing to urge you to support the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and ensure that funding for this lifesaving program continues without further delays or restrictions. PEPFAR has been one of the most successful global health initiatives in history, saving an estimated 25 million lives and significantly reducing HIV/AIDS-related deaths worldwide. Suspending or restricting its funding would have devastating consequences for millions of people who rely on its services. As reported by the Associated Press, PEPFAR is currently facing a funding freeze due to baseless claims that it is linked to abortion services—despite the fact that PEPFAR’s focus has always been on HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention. These political attacks put millions of lives at risk, particularly in African nations where PEPFAR provides essential support. One of the most immediate concerns is the impact on South Africa, which has the largest HIV epidemic in the world. PEPFAR contributes over $400 million annually to the country’s HIV response, supporting 5.5 million people on antiretroviral treatment. The article highlights that without this funding, treatment programs could collapse, leading to higher transmission rates, drug resistance, and preventable deaths. PEPFAR has long been a bipartisan success story, demonstrating the United States’ commitment to global health and humanitarian leadership. Weakening this program would not only reverse decades of progress in fighting HIV/AIDS but also damage our nation’s credibility in international health initiatives. Moreover, global health crises do not remain isolated—instability in HIV treatment can lead to the resurgence of infections and pose long-term threats to public health worldwide. I urge you to reject any attempts to politicize PEPFAR and to fully support its reauthorization and funding. Millions of lives depend on this program, and the United States has a moral and strategic responsibility to continue leading the fight against HIV/AIDS. SOURCE: https://apnews.com/article/trump-aid-freeze-usaid-hiv-pepfar-9c1e6a70c5250a56feddf48757f923c8