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US must ensure continuity for PEPFAR, lifesaving foreign assistance programs

WASHINGTON –The ONE Campaign issued the following statement in response to reports that implementation of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved 26 million lives from HIV/AIDS, has been impacted by stop work orders.

 “Clinics are shutting down and life-saving drugs purchased with US dollars are sitting unused on shelves, which could leave more than 20 million people without access to treatment,” said Elizabeth Hoffman, North America Executive Director at ONE. “Any pause in PEPFAR services will have devastating consequences: mothers could transmit HIV to their babies, children will be orphaned, and new strains of the virus could emerge and spread.

“PEPFAR is not just a global health program, it’s a cornerstone of US national security, protecting Americans from emerging health threats and building long-standing partnerships across the globe. Our adversaries will capitalize on this gap in US leadership and promote disinformation which will undermine trust in the US and damage our reputation around the world.

“We are encouraged to hear that there is a waiver process for lifesaving programs but remain concerned that this could get caught up in bureaucratic red tape while work is ending now. We urge Secretary Rubio to issue a waiver for lifesaving programs, similar to the waiver on emergency food aid, so no lives are lost.”