PEPFAR Report to Congress Highlights Progress and Need for Funding

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief released its 14th Annual Report to Congress this month, highlighting the progress the flagship US global HIV program has made toward achieving HIV epidemic control. IDSA and HIVMA released this statement on the report release, emphasizing the need for Congress to provide robust funding for this important program. 

Progress includes providing 13.3 million people with lifesaving antiretroviral therapy, providing access to voluntary medical male circumcision to reduce the risk of HIV infection in 15.2 million men and boys, and preventing HIV infection in 2.2 million babies born to mothers infected with the virus. The report also indicates that for the first time, five African countries are close to achieving epidemic control. In addition to celebrating the progresses made, the report notes the challenges that remain, including reaching children, adolescents and young adults with HIV testing, treatment, and other services. Read more about the report in Science Speaks.