Washington, DC – ONE: The Campaign to Make Poverty History applauded President Bush today for proposing that the United States double the amount it devotes to the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief. This afternoon, President Bush called for a reauthorization of the President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) for the next five years. The President’s request represents a doubling of PEPFAR’s funding, from $15 billion to $30 billion.

“Since PEPFAR began, the program has been a proven success, allowing 1.1 million people in the world’s poorest countries to receive lifesaving ARV treatment,” Kimberly Cadena, ONE Campaign spokesperson, said. “ARV treatment means that not only are people receiving life-saving medication, they are now once again able to contribute to the emotional, financial and physical well-being of their families and communities. It is crucial that the United States continue to fund efforts like PEPFAR that are responsibly run and are proven to be successful and effective in their mission.”

The ONE Campaign lauds both the President and Congress for their continued leadership and commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Earlier this year, Congress increased funding for the treatment of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria during consideration of the Continuing Resolution. ONE members sent over 200,000 letters requesting a $1 billion increase and Congress responded by providing $1.45 billion. The bipartisan support for PEPFAR and The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has made the U.S. a leader in this fight and for that America should be proud.

The President’s $30 billion request over the next five years would allow 2.5 million people to receive ARV (antiretroviral) treatment; prevent 12 million new infections; 12 million people would receive care, including 5 million orphans and vulnerable children. In total, 26.5 million people’s lives will be saved or changed directly and millions more indirectly improved because of U.S. compassion and generosity.

If other nations increase their efforts to a similar extent, millions more lives could be saved. There are currently 40 million people worldwide living with AIDS. 24.5 million of those with AIDS live in Africa, including 2 million children. 15 million children worldwide have lost one or both parents to AIDS, and that number is expected to climb as high as 25 million by 2010.

A portion of the funds requested today by the President would also go to the Global Fund. The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria is a unique global public/private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing additional resources to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.