The Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns organized a letter signed by 44 faith-based organizations asking Congress to reauthorize the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
The following article was published in the July-August 2023 issue of NewsNotes.
With the September 30 deadline approaching for congressional reauthorization of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), 44 national and international faith-based organizations, many with members working in ministries serving the needs of HIV and AIDS impacted individuals and communities around the world, sent an urgent letter asking Members of Congress to reauthorize PEPFAR, to ensure the continuation of its life-saving programs.
“Faith-based organizations helped to shape PEPFAR twenty years ago and have been central to its success,” said Susan Gunn, Director of the Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns. “We stand by the plan’s focus on prevention, care and treatment, and the role faith-based organizations play to reach those who are most vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. We want Congress to know that, through PEPFAR, we uphold our shared virtues of compassion and mercy, and our belief that all human life is sacred, and we are all God’s children, worthy of healing care.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, PEPFAR has enabled 25 million lives to be saved, as well as “supported antiretroviral treatment for 20.1 million people… enabled 5.5 million babies to be born HIV-free to mothers living with HIV… and provided critical care and support for seven million orphans, vulnerable children, and their caregivers so they can survive and thrive.”
The letter says “PEPFAR has helped to turn the tide in the global fight against AIDS, demonstrating U.S. leadership in saving lives and safeguarding human dignity of the most vulnerable people.”
Faith in Action
Ask Congress to reauthorize PEPFAR for five more years. https://mogc.info/nn-PEPFAR
Photo via PEPFAR instagram