U.S. Program Treats 20 Million with H.I.V.
The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) has delivered lifesaving treatment to more than 20 million people in 54 countries over the past 20 years, making it the most successful global health campaign of its kind. The $7.5 billion program, due for reauthorization by Congress this year, is estimated to have saved as many as 25 million lives. Antiretroviral drugs can suppress HIV levels, prevent transmission of the virus to sexual partners, and cut the risk of transmission from infected pregnant women to their babies. Despite its success, HIV treatment is patchy among some vulnerable groups, including young children, pregnant women, men who have sex with men, and transgender people.