If the Millions of Lives Saved Weren’t Reason Enough to Reauthorize PEPFAR…Here Are a Few More Reasons

Without a doubt, PEPFAR has saved countless lives across the globe, but the $50 billion price tag has caused Congress to stall and some Americans to waiver. In this tough economic situation, can we afford to spend this much on foreign assistance?

In truth, we can’t afford not to do something about HIV/AIDS and other global health challenges. For those who aren’t convinced solely by humanitarian concern, it is important to remind them that addressing global health issues has positive implications for the U.S. economy. In a new series of state briefs, Families USA’s Global Health Initiative explains that it is in our economic interest to work to improve global health. Read your state’s fact sheet to find out why global health matters to your state. (This is an ongoing effort, so if your state is not yet listed, keep checking in.)

Research conducted in your local universities is an important way that your state can help to improve global health. Families USA’s new report, In Your Own Backyard: How NIH Funding Helps Your State’s Economy, explains that medical research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and conducted on your state’s university campuses brings new jobs, higher wages, and more business activity to your state. At the same time that universities are conducting research to save lives at home and abroad, they’re also giving a significant boost to the state’s economy.

Last week, Families USA and infectious disease expert Dr. David Serwadda from Uganda paid a visit to staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to explain how improved medical technology will make PEPFAR treatment and prevention efforts more effective. Dr. Serwadda explained that in some of the most remote villages in Africa, people have literally come back to life after receiving life-saving drugs through PEPFAR. That alone should be reason enough to reauthorize PEPFAR, but it may also help to let decision makers know about the considerable economic benefits to your state when we improve global health. We hope some of our new resources will help you to make the pitch!

-Kudzai Makomva, Families USA Global Health Initiative