PEPFAR: Sustaining the Fight Against HIV/AIDS in Africa
By Ange de la Victoire DUSABEMUNGU
In a digital press briefing held on October 10, 2024, Ambassador John N. Nkengasong, the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for Global Health Security and Diplomacy, discussed the future role of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Africa.
With a focus on establishing strong public-private partnerships for sustainability, government ownership, and leadership in the HIV/AIDS response, Ambassador Nkengasong highlighted the progress made in countries like Botswana and the continued efforts needed to achieve an AIDS-free generation by 2030.
During the briefing, Ambassador Nkengasong emphasized the importance of sustaining the response to HIV/AIDS and preventing new infections.
He noted that PEPFAR has invested over $110 billion globally, with over $1 billion invested in partnership with the Government of Botswana alone. This investment has contributed to Botswana achieving the three 95 goals set by UNAIDS, ensuring that 95 percent of people know their status, are under treatment, and have viral load suppressed.
Despite the progress made over the past 21 years, he emphasized that the fight against HIV/AIDS is not over and that sustained efforts are crucial to achieving an AIDS-free generation.
“It remains a hidden pandemic, spreading silently in communities and not always visible on the political radar.” he said.
He emphasized the importance of sustaining the gains made over the last 21 years in the fight against HIV/AIDS, as well as the need to continue working towards the goal of bringing HIV/AIDS to an end as a public health threat by 2030.
Ambassador Nkengasong highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by HIV/AIDS, noting that last year alone, Botswana recorded 4,200 new cases of infections, many of which were among young people.
He underscored the fact that HIV is still a significant threat, with 650,000 people worldwide dying from the disease each year, 60% of whom are in Africa.
As Ambassador Nkengasong embarks on a tour of Africa to meet with high-level leadership, his message is clear: while progress has been made, the fight against HIV/AIDS is far from over. It is essential to sustain the response and ensure that the gains achieved over the last two decades are not lost.