Subject:
Global Health Newsletter for January 25, 2024
From Name:
Igor Khrestin, George W. Bush Institute
From Email:
Ikhrestin@bushcenter.org
Reply Email:
hjohnson@bushcenter.org
Date and Time:
25/01/2024 12:00 am

 
The Bush Institute Global Health Newsletter
Hello,

January is cervical cancer awareness month – a time to celebrate survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and encourage progress toward cervical cancer elimination.

Cervical cancer is a disease of inequity. Roughly 110,000 women are diagnosed annually, with a majority succumbing to the disease in low- and middle-income countries. Women living with HIV are up to six times more likely to develop cervical cancer.

Since 2018, PEPFAR has conducted over 7.4 million cervical cancer screenings for women living with HIV and conducted more than 302,000 treatments for precancerous lesions through the Go Further partnership.

In September 2022, the Bush Institute’s Crystal Cazier visited Kenya to meet with Go Further beneficiaries. One woman, Caroline, first tested positive for HIV in 2013. Because of PEPFAR, she was able to start antiretroviral medication and give birth to two HIV-negative children. Caroline now supports other women living with HIV by sharing her story with them and providing support. “Life is good,” she said.

Because of PEPFAR, the lives of millions of women like Caroline have been saved. Her story represents the hope and possibilities that come with treating HIV.

Kind regards,

Igor Khrestin
The Bradford M. Freeman Managing Director of Global Policy
George W. Bush Institute

Caroline (left) speaks with the Bush Institute’s Crystal Cazier in Kenya.

 
Figure of the week:
1.6%

HIV accounted for 5.1% of the estimated 4 million child deaths in sub-Saharan Africa in 2003, compared to 1.6% of the 2.8 million child deaths in 2018, according to a recent study in The Lancet. Researchers also found that four childhood immunizations were higher by 2018 than would have been expected without PEPFAR.

 
Bush Institute insights:

Leocardia Ndege is a mom of five in Northern Tanzania living with HIV. Through the Go Further partnership, Leocardia was screened for cervical cancer and learned she had early precancerous lesions. After a year of treatment, she tested negative and now shares her story with other women and encourages them to "get screened as frequently as possible."

 
Standout statements:
 

Saloni Dattani, a science writer and researcher on global health, called on Congress to reauthorize PEPFAR, citing the program’s immense global impact. In an opinion piece published by Vox, she said: "Rarely in global health — or anywhere else — do we see a program so successful. An enormous number of people are getting back control of their own lives, far fewer people are facing a painful and certain death from AIDS-related illnesses, and far fewer children are losing their parents."

 
Ally updates:
 

SAFEMed is a USAID program and PEPFAR-funded group that works tirelessly to advance health equity in Ukraine. Supply chain expert and deputy chief of party at SAFEMed Sergey Strashuk underscored the importance of the PEPFAR program in Ukraine, especially in a time of nationwide crisis: "Russia's invasion in February 2022 threatened to jeopardize all of this progress. However, thanks to locally led efforts supported by PEPFAR, the country quickly adapted its national pharmaceutical distribution program and ensured that the overwhelming majority of Ukrainian patients would still get their lifesaving therapy despite a full-scale invasion. PEPFAR stepped in quickly during the opening months of the conflict to ensure that Ukrainians will continue to get antiretrovirals through 2024."

 
In the news:
 
Igor Khrestin
THE BRADFORD M. FREEMAN MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL POLICY

GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER
T: (214) 200-4315
E: IKhrestin@bushcenter.org

www.bushcenter.org

 

About the George W. Bush Institute

The George W. Bush Institute is a solution-oriented nonpartisan policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies. Housed within the George W. Bush Presidential Center, the Bush Institute is rooted in compassionate conservative values and committed to creating positive, meaningful, and lasting change at home and abroad. We utilize our unique platform and convening power to advance solutions to national and global issues of the day. Learn more at www.bushcenter.org

 

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