Advocacy groups call on Congress to reauthorize global HIV initiative

A bipartisan alliance of more than 30 health care groups and policy experts are calling on Congress to pass another 5-year reauthorization of the U.S. global HIV initiative, which expired last month.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was launched in 2003 by former President George W. Bush. In its 20-year history, the program claims to have saved 25 million lives through the prevention of HIV infection and supporting countries in combating the epidemic.

“Before PEPFAR, AIDS was the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa and the fourth-biggest killer worldwide. Thanks to the broad support of PEPFAR over four administrations and 11 Congresses, that’s no longer the case,” the Bush Institute, which led the effort, said in the letter.

“We must continue this lifesaving program that symbolizes America at its best. We are a diverse coalition of organizations and leaders whose work spans faith, democracy, human rights, and global health.”

PEPFAR has always garnered bipartisan support and been reauthorized three time beforehand. However, House Republicans protested a clean 5-year reauthorization this year, arguing the Biden administration had allowed PEPFAR funds to go towards pro-abortion groups abroad. HIV policy experts and advocates have said these claims are unfounded.

The program can continue to operate until at least the end of the 2024 fiscal year. The authorizations that expired on Sept. 30 directed how funds are distributed and also dictated oversight of the initiative.

“The program is built on the democratic values of transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making. It emphasizes citizen involvement, responsiveness to stakeholder feedback, and the strengthening of institutions,” the Bush Institute said.

The letter also argued that PEPFAR acts as a diplomatic tool of the U.S., strengthening relations in Africa where the bulk of the program’s efforts are concentrated, even “as authoritarian China and Russia seek to increase their influence in Africa by any means possible.”

“Data show that residents of PEPFAR countries think more highly of the United States than the global average. Stronger relationships and alliances can be leveraged to tackle global challenges like combating extremism and authoritarian influence,” the organization added.

The letter was signed by organization and individuals including The Carter Center; amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research; the Bipartisan Policy Center; former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator Deborah Birx; former Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson; and former DIrector of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair.