Signal that sliver of PEPFAR might be salvaged
16 July 2025. Related: Early access, Treatment access.
Simon Collins, HIV i-Base
On 16 July 2025, the International AIDS Society (IAS) issued the followiung press statement on the possible salvaging of limited PEPFAR funding.
IAS welcomes US bipartisan move to protect PEPFAR
16 July 2025 (Kigali, Rwanda) – IAS – the International AIDS Society – welcomes the bipartisan move in the US Senate to protect the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) from proposed USD 400 million cuts in President Trump’s rescission package. However, both the Senate and House must still vote on the final rescission package, and further changes could be reintroduced before the statutory deadline for action.
“PEPFAR has been one of the greatest success stories in global health, transforming the HIV response,” IAS President Beatriz Grinsztejn said. “Global advocacy played a crucial role in persuading US lawmakers to protect this vital programme, reminding them that decisions about PEPFAR shape the health and futures of people around the world. Yet uncertainty remains, with ongoing threats to global health funding. We must stay vigilant.”
IAS President-Elect Kenneth Ngure emphasized the importance of the decision for the African continent. “PEPFAR is a lifeline for communities across Africa,” he said. “Restoring this funding would mean hope for people living with and affected by HIV. But African leadership must remain at the centre of shaping our response, and we need to keep advancing conversations about sustainable financing – including stronger domestic investments and strategies to reduce dependence on global donors.”
The IAS calls for swift action to protect essential HIV services and urges all leaders to ensure continued investments that save lives and support global health.
comment
Although any positive news is good news, this proposal still needs to clear votes in both Congress and the Senate.
This proposal only affects $400 million out of $9.4 billion cuts but does perhaps show the positive impact of campaigns to save PEPFAR.
Even if the funds are released back, much of the previous infrastructure for delivering HIV treatment and services was dismantled in January. The funding might only me temporary to cover 2025.
Reference
IAS Press Statement. IAS welcomes US bipartisan move to protect PEPFAR. (16 July 2025_
https://www.iasociety.org/ias-statement/ias-welcomes-us-bipartisan-move-protect-pepfar.