The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has commended the United States Senate for voting to retain full funding for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) after initially considering a $400 million cut.
In a bipartisan decision reached in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, U.S. lawmakers agreed to preserve the funding for the global health programme, which has reportedly saved more than 25 million lives since its launch under former President George W. Bush.
AHF President Michael Weinstein described the vote as a show of unity for humanity despite political differences.
“This is a powerful reminder that compassion can prevail over partisanship,” he said. “Congress deserves real credit for recognising PEPFAR’s unmatched impact and ensuring its continued strength.”
The Senate’s revised decision also secured funding for other key global health interventions, including malaria, maternal health, tuberculosis, and nutrition programmes.
The Foundation said the move reflects the United States’ continued leadership in global health and humanitarian support.
AHF, which is the world’s largest HIV/AIDS organisation, said it has supported PEPFAR under every U.S. administration since it was founded in 2003.
However, the group urged the House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead by approving the funding before the July 18 deadline.
PEPFAR is widely regarded as one of the most effective international health programmes created by the U.S. government, with significant impact in Africa and other low-income regions.