The Global Network of People Living with HIV (GNP+) welcomes Congress’ decision on the re-authorisation of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for one year. The impact of PEPFAR on the lives of people living with HIV across the world is unparalleled.
Although, this extension offers a temporary reprieve, it falls demonstrably short of what is necessary to effectively sustain the gains made in the HIV response. In 2022 alone, an estimated 1.3 million people contracted HIV globally. Moreover, over nine million people living with HIV currently lack access to life-saving treatment, leaving them vulnerable to serious illness and death. Ending AIDS is a critical public health imperative, not simply a matter of statistics.
A one-year extension introduces unnecessary uncertainty, preventing long-term planning and potentially jeopardizing the considerable progress already achieved. GNP+ urges a multi-year re-authorisation to provide stability and facilitate a more strategic and effective response to the HIV epidemic.
“Faced with the reality of 1.3 million new HIV infections globally in 2022 alone, millions remain without access to treatment,” stated Florence Riako Anam, GNP+ Co-Executive Director. “Continued funding for PEPFAR is not merely a priority, it is a matter of life and death. GNP+ passionately believes in the power of sustained action. HIV will not wait for a one-year pause; we need a long-term commitment to save lives and ensure a lasting response to the epidemic.”
GNP+ urges for a multi-year PEPFAR re-authorisation bill. Prioritising evidence-based policy, ensuring equitable access to care, and guaranteeing continued United States leadership in the global HIV response are essential. The lives of millions depend on it.
Source: PEPFAR
