Washington, D.C., December 11, 2018 - President Donald J. Trump signed into law today the PEPFAR Extension Act of 2018 – reaffirming America’s leadership and commitment to protect millions of people from HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria around the world.
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is the U.S. government’s initiative to address the global HIV/AIDS epidemic. In addition to ensuring the United States continued bilateral support for fighting HIV/AIDS, the newly signed law includes an important provision maintaining the 33% percent cap on U.S. contributions to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Since its inception in 2002, the Global Fund partnership has helped save 27 million lives in more than 100 countries and provides nearly 60% of all international financing for malaria. The United States is the single largest donor to the Global Fund, providing $1.35 billion in fiscal year 2018.
“Thanks to the generosity of the American people and continued support from a bipartisan Congress, the United States continues to set the standard and lead the world in efforts to combat malaria, HIV/AIDs and tuberculosis,” said Josh Blumenfeld, Malaria No More’s Managing Director, Global Policy and Advocacy.
Countries supported by the Global Fund saw a 42% decline in malaria deaths from 2000-2016. Yet, the newly released WHO World Malaria Report 2018 shows that current progress against malaria is uneven. As urgent action is being taken by countries to halt the recent uptick in cases of malaria, increased donor and domestic funding will be vital to get progress back on track. A key part of turning the tide on malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis will be a substantial investment in the Global Fund as part of its 2019 replenishment.
“The Global Fund plays an irreplaceable role and is a critical partner in the United States’ efforts against malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, helping to improve the health of marginalized and vulnerable populations and closing treatment and prevention gaps around the world. Next year’s Global Fund Replenishment is a critical opportunity to renew global investment in malaria, HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis to protect the hard-earned progress of the last decade,” said Blumenfeld.
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For more information or interview requests, contact Michal Fishman at +1 504-220-2792 or Michal.Fishman@MalariaNoMore.org
About Malaria No More
Malaria No More envisions a world where no one dies from a mosquito bite. More than a decade into our mission, our work has contributed to historic progress toward this goal. Now, we’re mobilizing the political commitment, funding, and innovation required to achieve what would be one of the greatest humanitarian accomplishments – ending malaria within our generation. For more information, visit www.malarianomore.org
