Because there is no vaccine or cure for HIV, treatment with antiretroviral medications is vital to reduce the spread of the virus, and PEPFAR is a key player in funding those treatments in developing countries. According to UN data, countries that received PEPFAR support saw a 52% reduction in new HIV cases in 2023 compared to 2010, while globally the reduction is only 38%.
The positive impacts also extend to the broader healthcare system in PEPFAR-aided countries, with the program supporting 327,000 health workers in communities that need them. Overall per-capita GDP growth was on average 2.1 percentage points higher in countries receiving PEPFAR investment than would otherwise be expected.
Despite this legacy and recent impact, PEPFAR remains significantly impacted by actions of the Trump administration from stop work orders, the dissolution of USAID, and disruptions in funding.
The U.S. government must uphold its commitment to combat HIV by fully supporting PEPFAR so that those currently receiving care will continue to receive it, and to enable PEPFAR to build on its great success and expand access to others who still lack care and treatment. Robust support for PEPFAR will help to meet the United Nation’s goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Please urge your members of Congress to support PEPFAR and keep the U.S. as a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS.
Additional Resources
“Assessing PEPFAR’s Impact: Analysis of Economic and Educational Spillover Effects in PEPFAR Countries” report from KFF
December 2024 Global Results & Projections Factsheet from the State Department
Episcopal Church Resolutions
- 2003-D054: Keep America's "Promise to Africa"
- EXC022001.19: Support Efforts to Address the HIV/AIDS Pandemic
- 1994-A005: Reaffirm Support for a Public Policy on the AIDS/HIV Pandemic