On January 28, 2003, President George W. Bush announced the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and said, “We must remember our calling, as a blessed country, is to make the world better.” Four months later, Congress authorized the first $15 billion with overwhelming bipartisan support that has continued to this day.
Since then, PEPFAR has partnered with countries and communities to deliver hope and healing to millions of people worldwide. With over $100 billion invested in the global AIDS response, the U.S. Government, through PEPFAR, has saved more than 21 million lives, prevented millions of HIV infections, and supported at least 20 countries to achieve epidemic control of HIV or reach their HIV treatment targets. PEPFAR has also helped countries respond to other health threats, and these local health systems now serve as the backbone of the COVID-19 response across much of Africa.
As we mark PEPFAR’s anniversary and life-saving impact, we remain committed to the vital work ahead—reaching the Sustainable Development Goal target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Through sustained and robust support for PEPFAR, the United States will continue to lead global efforts and mobilize others to prevail in the fight to end AIDS.
Secretary of State Blinken Statement: “Celebrating PEPFAR’s 19th Anniversary”
Op-ed: “Fighting AIDS and COVID-19 depend on a firm foundation”
Factsheet: PEPFAR Latest Global Results [1 MB] & Infographic
PEPFAR’s HIV Response in the Context of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) & Infographic
