Threatening the Global AIDS Response — Obstacles to PEPFAR’s Reauthorization

This perspective piece outlines the critical threat facing the global fight against HIV/AIDS due to the delayed reauthorization of PEPFAR, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The authors, prominent international scientists, describe PEPFAR's 20-year impact: averting 25 million AIDS-related deaths and preventing 5.5 million babies from HIV infection across 55 countries. They express grave concern over political attempts to attach anti-abortion restrictions to its renewal, citing the potential codification of the “global gag rule.” The article warns that such limitations could reverse decades of progress, increase HIV and tuberculosis transmission, and undermine health systems worldwide. The authors call on U.S. lawmakers to reauthorize PEPFAR without encumbrances to protect global health.

This perspective piece outlines the critical threat facing the global fight against HIV/AIDS due to the delayed reauthorization of PEPFAR, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The authors, prominent international scientists, describe PEPFAR's 20-year impact: averting 25 million AIDS-related deaths and preventing 5.5 million babies from HIV infection across 55 countries. They express grave concern over political attempts to attach anti-abortion restrictions to its renewal, citing the potential codification of the “global gag rule.” The article warns that such limitations could reverse decades of progress, increase HIV and tuberculosis transmission, and undermine health systems worldwide. The authors call on U.S. lawmakers to reauthorize PEPFAR without encumbrances to protect global health.