UPDATE: January 29, 2025 — “The Bush Institute welcomes Secretary of State Rubio’s issuance of an emergency humanitarian waiver for life-saving aid programs around the world, including PEPFAR, following the earlier freeze on funding for previously approved foreign assistance programs. This action will save lives and uphold America’s reputation as a compassionate nation.”
January 28, 2025 — “When a new administration takes over, it’s common to review programs and priorities. One of those programs is the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has saved 26 million lives, including more than 7.8 million babies born HIV-free, over the past two decades. Like all other programs, PEPFAR should be subject to review, but a pause in its funding risks interrupting life-saving access to treatment, potentially placing millions of lives in danger.
“Presidents from four administrations – including impressive results during President Trump’s first term – have ensured that this program continues to effectively save lives. It’s vital that the Trump Administration exempt PEPFAR from the pause in funding so that it can continue to ensure that those on treatment continue to receive it uninterrupted. A successful, multiyear transition toward full country ownership of the effort has begun, but the mission is not complete. And we can’t stop now, because as President Bush reminded us at the outset of the program, all life is precious.”
David J. Kramer is the Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute
