IAS Applauds US Senate Move To Safeguard PEPFAR, Warns Of Ongoing Global Health Risks
The International AIDS Society (IAS) has welcomed a bipartisan decision in the US Senate to shield the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) from proposed $400 million funding cuts — a development hailed as a victory for global health.
Speaking from Kigali, IAS President Beatriz Grinsztejn described PEPFAR as “one of the greatest success stories in global health,” and credited international advocacy efforts for influencing lawmakers to preserve the life-saving programme.
“Decisions about PEPFAR don’t just affect budgets — they shape lives and futures across the globe,” she said. “But the fight is not over. With continued threats to global health funding, we must remain vigilant.”
PEPFAR has been a cornerstone of the global HIV response, especially in Africa. IAS President-Elect, Professor Kenneth Ngure, stressed the programme’s importance for the continent, calling it “a lifeline for communities.”
“Restoring this funding brings renewed hope,” Ngure said. “But we must also look inward African nations must lead in shaping our health response and invest in long-term sustainability.”
The IAS urged swift final action by both the US Senate and House of Representatives to protect HIV services and called on world leaders to continue prioritising global health.
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