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Questioning the Continued Relevance of PEPFAR is Dangerous Thinking

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Learn more about Crystal Cazier.
Crystal Cazier
Former Deputy Director, Global Health
George W. Bush Institute

17 million lives have been saved thanks to the resolve of national governments, investments by PEPFAR, and support of many. But this is not time to quit.

As graphs plot decreasing trends in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths globally, some may be tempted to question the continued relevance of fully sustained U.S. foreign assistance through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This is dangerous thinking.

PEPFAR may appear less urgent now than it was 16 years ago, a time when AIDS was a death sentence in places without proper access to treatment. But PEPFAR is no less necessary than it was when the program was born.

The history of PEPFAR demonstrates how a program built on partnership and compassion changed the course of the AIDS pandemic. President George W. Bush’s vision to work with leaders where AIDS was threatening entire communities led to the largest response to a single disease by one country. Now, thanks to the resolve of national governments, investments by PEPFAR, and support of many, 17 million lives have been saved. But this is no time to quit.

While overall HIV incidence is decreasing, rates of new HIV infection are rising in young people in sub-Saharan Africa, especially women and girls ages 15 to 24 and men under 35. Africa has the youngest population in the world