America, do you know that you’ve led the world in saving the lives of 26 million folks from HIV/AIDS all over the world?
That’s because of a program referred to as PEPFAR, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Aid.
Twenty-three years in the past, President George W. Bush had the imaginative and prescient to deliver collectively Republicans and Democrats to legislate a plan to cease the AIDS epidemic that was killing 3 million males, girls and kids a yr.
And we’re on monitor to finish the AIDS epidemic standing by 2030.
Demonstrators, a few of them former PEPFAR and USAID staff, protest to demand that Congress stand as much as President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s “Division of Authorities Effectivity” and reinstate lifesaving packages within the Cannon Home Workplace Constructing.
At present, 20 million individuals are on antiretroviral drugs, maintaining an infection and demise charges at their lowest in 20 years. That’s 20 million souls for whom “America” means generosity, compassion and life.
However all that may change within the blink of an eye fixed. If Congress decides to cut funding for PEPFAR, folks is not going to obtain their remedy. The virus will rebound.
Opinion: Tennessee’s reallocation of HIV prevention funds will do more harm than good
Infections will multiply. Thousands and thousands will die. And, the epidemic will develop exponentially worldwide, together with a possible explosion in our personal backyards.
Lend your voice. Be a part of us by sending a letter to let Congress know you wish to see the top of AIDS in 2030, requiring their assist to totally fund PEPFAR. This isn’t simply the sensible factor to do, for nationwide safety, financial, and public well being causes; that is the suitable factor to do.
Go to ONE.org to take motion at this time.
This letter was drafted by the ONE Marketing campaign and The 2030 Collaborative and was signed by the next nation music stars. The letter was subsequently despatched to all members of Congress.
Amy Grant
Brad Paisley
Brandy Clark
Brittney Spencer
Cam
Cassadee Pope
Darius Rucker
Drew Holcomb
Ellie Holcomb
Jennifer Nettles, Sugarland
Jimmy Westbrooks, Little Large City
Karen Fairchild, Little Large City
Kimberly Schlapman, Little Large City
Kix Brooks, Brooks & Dunn
Kristian Bush, Sugarland
LeAnn Rimes
Maren Morris
Mickey Guyton
Philip Candy, Little Large City
Sheryl Crow
Addendum: Center Tennessee resident Dr. Invoice Frist, who served as U.S. Senate Majority Chief when PEPFAR turned legislation, supplied the next assertion: “PEPFAR is the last word instance of American exceptionalism and compassion. If we again away from this historic, bipartisan dedication to these much less lucky, we’re ceding floor to China who will fill the void in our absence. We’re leaving the American folks at larger threat of future pandemics, as our world well being investments assist comprise native outbreaks and forestall harmful, novel viruses from reaching our shores. And we’re turning our again on a profitable diplomatic technique that has fostered unlikely allies, stabilized nations, and strengthened our place on the earth.”
This text initially appeared on Nashville Tennessean: PEPFAR saves lives from AIDS epidemic and should continue | Letters
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