African leaders rally for urgent renewal of PEPFAR

Leaders of the African Union (AU) have united to advocate for the renewal of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a vital program combating the spread of HIV/AIDS on the continent. The urgency comes as the United States Congress faces challenges in extending the initiative, with debates revolving around the divisive issue of abortion.

PEPFAR, launched in 2003 by former US President George W. Bush, has been a cornerstone in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, contributing a staggering $16 billion annually to Africa’s anti-AIDS efforts. The program focuses on critical areas such as HIV testing, counseling, and life-saving treatment.

Despite enjoying widespread support in the past, the renewal of PEPFAR for another five years has encountered obstacles due to the contentious issue of abortion. The AU’s health watchdog, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), aims to send a powerful message to secure the program’s reauthorization, emphasizing its impact on the lives of millions.

Jean Kaseya, head of Africa CDC, stressed the importance of accelerating the agenda, citing alarming statistics that highlight the daily impact on young people. “Losing our young people means killing our economy and stopping our development,” Kaseya asserted during a press conference on the sidelines of the AU summit in Addis Ababa.

While PEPFAR has been instrumental in saving millions of lives, concerns are rising among health advocates about potential setbacks if funding is reduced. The United Nations warns that the HIV prevention response is 90 percent short of the required amount by 2025, and as of 2022, 9.2 million people worldwide lack access to life-saving treatment, including over 600,000 children.

Aiming to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, the UN set ambitious targets in 2015. Kaseya remains optimistic about Africa’s progress toward this goal and announced plans for a summit later this year to discuss funding and strategies.

Without prompt reauthorization, PEPFAR faces uncertainty, with concerns over the continuity of funding. Supporters emphasize the need for assurances to maintain the momentum in the fight against HIV/AIDS, stressing the significance of a long-term commitment from the United States and other donor nations.