US provides $100 billion to save more than 25 million lives in AIDS relief programme
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - As the US marks the 20th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the country has provided more than $100 billion to save more than 25 million lives and contributed to the resilient public and community health systems for today and the future.
US President George W. Bush announced the creation of PEPFAR, Mr. Blinken said in a statement to mark the milestone on Saturday.
He said the US, working with partner governments, multilateral and regional institutions, people living with HIV/AIDS, NGOs, and other stakeholders, is confident that it can continue the progress that has been made and eliminate HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
"With bipartisan support from the U.S. Congress and the generosity of the American people, PEPFAR has provided over 20.1 million people with life-saving HIV treatment in over 55 countries," the statement said.
"These efforts have built, and continue to build, a stronger health infrastructure in many countries, improving health security and responses to other health crises such as COVID-19, mpox, and Ebola."
Mr. Blinken said the US was aware that progress in ending the HIV/AIDS pandemic could be easily reversed without focused, sustained, and equitable action.
"We cannot achieve our goal to end HIV/AIDS as a global health threat if we deny people’s rights or if we allow stigmatization and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS or those who are most vulnerable to acquiring HIV," he said.
Mr. Blinken quoted US President Joe Biden as saying on World AIDS Day 2022 that “[W]e finally have the scientific understanding, treatments, and tools to build an AIDS-free future where everyone – no matter who they are, where they come from, or whom they love – can get the care and respect they deserve.”
Mr, Blinken said the Administration was committed to ensuring all LGBTQI+ individuals are treated with dignity and respect, closing pernicious gender gaps, and ending HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
"It is incumbent upon us to maintain progress, follow the science, and address disparities and inequitable access to achieve our shared goals," he stressed.
Mr. Blinken thanked people across the world who have helped PEPFAR succeed over the previous 20 years and who are joining in recommitting to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.
-0- PANA MA/RA 29Jan2023
