U.S. Government Announces Results for AIDS Treatment Worldwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2007

Washington, DC – Today, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Emergency Plan/PEPFAR) announced that it is supporting life-saving antiretroviral treatment for approximately 1.45 million men, women and children worldwide, including approximately 1.36 million people in the 15 PEPFAR “focus countries.” The program is on target to achieve its ambitious goals of supporting treatment for two million people, prevention of seven million new infections, and care for 10 million people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS, including orphans and vulnerable children.

“In return for this extraordinary generosity, Americans expect results. So the Emergency Plan includes specific, measurable targets for progress,” said President George W. Bush in a statement to commemorate World AIDS Day. “It demands honesty and accountability for all those involved. It puts local partners in the lead, because they know the needs of their people best. With this strategy, we have pioneered a new model for public health. And so far, the results have been striking.”

These results also reflect the strong country-level partnership between PEPFAR and the Global Fund. Together, the two international partners are supporting antiretroviral treatment for approximately 2 million people living with AIDS worldwide.

“It is clear that, by working in partnership, we can and will achieve much more in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Ambassador Mark Dybul, PEPFAR Coordinator. “PEPFAR and the Global Fund are working together with men and women in countries affected by HIV/AIDS as they fight the pandemic. These individuals are the true leaders in this fight, and we are committed to supporting them.”

The U.S. Government, as a founding member of the Global Fund and its largest contributor, continues to play a leadership role in ensuring the success of this essential international effort. The American people have invested over $2.5 billion – or approximately 30 percent of resources to date – in the Global Fund since the Fund's inception in 2001.

The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the largest global health initiative directed at a single disease that any nation has ever undertaken. For more information about PEPFAR, please visit http://www.pepfar.gov.