Federal officials announced Friday that American-backed HIV treatment programs reached 20.6 million individuals worldwide by September of last year, according to the State Department. Of that total, 3 million people received care through their own national healthcare systems rather than directly through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR.
Since launching in 2003 during the George W. Bush administration, PEPFAR has become the globe’s most significant HIV/AIDS program, credited with saving 26 million lives and preventing HIV transmission to 7.8 million infants born to mothers with the virus.
Following President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, nearly all American foreign assistance was placed under a 90-day suspension. However, the State Department clarified within days that life-saving HIV treatment through PEPFAR would remain operational.
Despite continuing treatment services, most HIV prevention initiatives have been reduced, including pre-exposure prophylaxis programs that provide HIV-blocking medications to individuals at high risk of contracting the virus.
