UNAIDS Welcomes US Decision to Keep Funding Life-Saving HIV Treatment
January 29, 2025
Geneva, Switzerland – UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS, has welcomed the United States government’s decision to maintain funding for its President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
PEPFAR is a crucial initiative that provides life-saving HIV treatment and prevention services to people in countries heavily affected by the virus. It has played a pivotal role in reducing HIV-related deaths and infections worldwide.
“The US government’s decision to continue funding PEPFAR is essential for saving lives and preventing new HIV infections,” said Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of UNAIDS. “We commend the US government for its commitment to global health and its recognition that the fight against HIV is far from over.”
The continued funding of PEPFAR will enable the initiative to reach even more people with vital HIV services. In 2023, PEPFAR supported antiretroviral therapy (ART) for more than 20 million people living with HIV, and provided prevention services to over 100 million people.
“ART has transformed the lives of millions of people living with HIV, turning it into a manageable, chronic condition,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. “PEPFAR’s continued support will ensure that more people have access to this life-saving treatment.”
In addition to providing HIV treatment, PEPFAR also supports programs that address the root causes of HIV vulnerability, such as poverty, gender inequality, and lack of education. These programs help to create a more enabling environment for HIV prevention and care.
“PEPFAR’s comprehensive approach has been instrumental in turning the tide against HIV,” said Bill Gates, Co-Founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “We urge other countries to follow the US government’s lead and invest in HIV prevention and treatment.”
The continuation of PEPFAR funding is a testament to the international community’s commitment to ending HIV as a public health threat by 2030. UNAIDS calls on all countries to prioritize HIV in their development agendas and to invest in sustainable HIV prevention and treatment programs.
Media Contact:
UNAIDS Media Team media@unaids.org +41 22 791 4242
UNAIDS welcomes US decision to keep funding life-saving HIV treatment
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