A new study reinforces the opportunity at hand to end the AIDS epidemic. The study found that of 1,000 couples with one partner receiving treatment to suppress HIV, there were zero cases of transmission to the HIV-negative partner. These findings offer new proof that, if appropriate resources and implementation of treatment combined with intensive primary prevention can be scaled up, we can defeat this devastating virus.
While the Trump administration has proposed cuts to foreign aid programs that fight HIV/AIDS around the world, Congress is pushing back. The House appropriations subcommittee covering State and Foreign Operations budgets moved forward a bill last week that increases international AIDS assistance. We commend Chairwoman Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.) and Ranking Member Hal Rogers (R-Ky.) for rejecting the cuts proposed by the administration earlier this year and urge Senate leaders to make the same strides to maintain U.S. leadership in global health.
In our roles as the Senate Majority Leader who shepherded the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through Congress and the former U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator who helped launch PEPFAR over 15 years ago, we have seen firsthand the incredible impact these global health programs have.
Read more at The Hill:
https://thehill.com/opinion/healthcare/444814-ending-aids-requires-us-investments
