Reauthorizing PEPFAR (July 2007)

"This is really a story of the human spirit and the goodness of human hearts. Once again, the generosity of the American people is one of the great untold stories of our time. Our citizens are offering comfort to millions who suffer, and restoring hope to those who feel forsaken." -President George W. Bush, May 30, 2007   Reauthorizing PEPFAR On May 30, 2007, President George W. Bush announced his intention to work with Congress to reauthorize the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Emergency Plan/PEPFAR). The five-year, $30 billion proposal would be in addition to the United States’ initial $15 billion commitment made in 2003. Assuming Congress meets the President’s request for Fiscal Year 2008, and with the new $30 billion proposal, the American people will have committed $48.3 billion across 10 years to fight HIV/AIDS.     PEPFAR’s success is rooted in support for country-owned strategies and programs with commitment of resources and dedication to results, achieved through the power of partnerships with governments, non-governmental, faith- and community-based organizations and the private sector. With full implementation of a new “Partnership Compact” model, the next phase of the American people’s commitment to those suffering from HIV/AIDS will continue to expand life-saving treatment, comprehensive prevention programs and care for those in need, including orphans and vulnerable children. 10-Year Program Goals: Treatment for 2.5 million people   Prevention of more than 12 million new infections   Care for more than 12 million people, including 5 million orphans and vulnerable children.     The New Plan Emphasizes Continuation And Expansion Continuation – HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and care are life-long needs, and the American people will continue to support those served during PEPFAR’s first five years. Expansion– PEPFAR will further expand efforts to strengthen health systems and to leverage programs that address malaria, tuberculosis, child and maternal health, clean water, food and nutrition, education, and other needs. The Plan will emphasize transitioning from an emergency response to a sustainable response for treatment, prevention and care. 1. Power of Partnerships – The United States Government (USG) will pursue “Partnership Compacts” by which USG resources and other commitments will increase in partnership with countries dedicated to fighting their HIV epidemics through: Increasing their own resources, according to economic ability, for HIV/AIDS and health systems so that the combined resources can achieve the reauthorization’s goals.   Implementing policies and practices to optimize effectiveness of resources in key areas, e.g. health workforce expansion, gender equality, protection of the rights of orphans, effective HIV counseling and testing, and others to be identified as “Partnership Compacts” are developed. The new “Partnership Compacts” are crucial to meeting the ambitious targets set by the President today. Absent their full implementation, two million new infections could go unprevented; and another million people would not receive care, including 400,000 orphans and vulnerable children. 2. Multilateral Partners –The USG, through PEPFAR, engages international organizations as partners in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This complex effort requires close cooperation among the USG; the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS; and other international partners. The Emergency Plan will continue to be a leader in working with international organizations and other partners to put accessibility, quality and sustainability at the center of all HIV/AIDS work.