What is PEPFAR?

As we know, HIV and AIDS has impacted every corner of the globe. However, there are certain countries that have been harder hit than others. And unfortunately, some of the hardest hit areas are those countries with the least number of resources to combat the problem. As one of the richest nations in the world, and one of those nations that has had some success in managing the epidemic, the US felt they needed to help those countries struggling with HIV by providing an AIDS
funding
"I ask the Congress to commit $15 billion over the next five years, to turn the tide against AIDS in the most afflicted nations of Africa and the Caribbean."In May of the same year the US Congress approved a Bill called the "United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003". This initiative was intended to prevent 7 million new infections, treat 2 million people living with AIDS related illnesses, and provide care and support for 10 million persons affected by AIDS. When the President signed that Bill into law it committed $15 billion dollars over five years to fight HIV in countries hardest hit yet had the fewest resources; The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was born. The initial $350 million was allocated in January 2004 with PEPFAR going into full affect in June 2004. Keep in mind that the $15 billion is not the only money the US spends each year in the war against HIV and AIDS. Domestic spending; money spent to battle HIV at home tops $12 billion each year.