PEPFAR: Saving Lives, One Dollar at a Time

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a global health initiative by the U.S. to combat HIV/AIDS. Launched in 2003, it has saved over 26 million lives and supported 20.6 million people with antiretroviral treatment. PEPFAR continues to be a crucial lifeline for millions worldwide.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a groundbreaking global health initiative launched by U.S. President George W. Bush in 2003. This program has been instrumental in addressing the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, making it the largest single-disease-focused global health program in history.
Since its inception, PEPFAR has allocated over \$110 billion, saving more than 26 million lives primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2024, it supported antiretroviral treatment for 20.6 million people worldwide, including 566,000 children. Additionally, PEPFAR has supported 2.5 million people newly enrolled on PrEP to prevent HIV infection, and 2.3 million adolescent girls and young women through the DREAM HIV prevention services.
The program also directly supported 83.8 million people with HIV testing services, an increase of 12 million more people since 2023. PEPFAR has been instrumental in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV, resulting in 5.5 million babies born HIV-free. Furthermore, it has supported approximately 35.1 million voluntary male circumcision procedures worldwide.
Despite its success, PEPFAR has faced challenges. The Trump administration recently paused funding for 90 days, which has caused concern among health officials and organizations relying on the program. The Democratic Alliance in South Africa has called for the immediate restoration of PEPFAR funding to avert a national health emergency, highlighting the critical role PEPFAR plays in sustaining life-saving treatment for millions.

1. What is PEPFAR?
   PEPFAR is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, a global health initiative by the U.S. to combat HIV/AIDS.
2. How much funding has PEPFAR received?
   PEPFAR has received over \$110 billion in funding since its inception.

3. How many lives has PEPFAR saved?
   As of December 2024, PEPFAR has saved over 26 million lives.

4. What services does PEPFAR provide?
   PEPFAR provides antiretroviral treatment, PrEP, HIV testing services, and support for mother-to-child transmission prevention and voluntary male circumcision.

5. Why is PEPFAR funding paused?
   The Trump administration has paused PEPFAR funding for 90 days, causing concern among health officials and organizations relying on the program.

PEPFAR remains a vital component in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, saving millions of lives and bolstering public health infrastructure. The recent pause in funding highlights the need for continued support to ensure the continuation of life-saving treatments and services.