Christian evangelical groups, who played a key role in establishing a U.S. initiative credited with saving millions of lives from HIV/AIDS, are urging the Trump administration to protect the program from severe foreign aid reductions. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), which has reportedly prevented 25 million premature deaths, is said to be shielded from most U.S. overseas aid cuts. However, it heavily depends on logistical support from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has faced significant project terminations.
These evangelical groups, many of whom supported Trump due to his stance on abortion, claim that the distribution of U.S.-funded antiretroviral drugs has nearly stopped in some regions, especially in Africa. They warn that this could lead to a resurgence of AIDS in areas where it had been controlled, potentially costing millions of lives. Meanwhile, some evangelical organizations and churches have been criticized for remaining silent, possibly due to political reasons, as many of their members support Trump.
Emily Chambers Sharpe, health director at World Relief, expressed concerns about the impact of aid cuts on healthcare facilities in Africa, noting that the HIV supply chain has been severely disrupted. She emphasized the life-saving nature of antiretroviral therapy, which not only revives patients but also prevents the virus's spread to others.
Galen Carey, vice-president of government relations at the National Association of Evangelicals, called on the administration to restore Pepfar to full operation. He highlighted bipartisan support for the program in Congress, despite its entanglement in broader foreign aid reductions.
Pepfar supports around 20 million people, mainly in Africa and parts of Asia. In some countries, like Nigeria, it is the primary source of HIV funding. The program also provides essential health infrastructure, employing medical staff who address other health issues.
Matthew Loftus, a doctor working in Kenya, reported that Pepfar is being dismantled, leading to dire consequences. He described situations where patients struggle to access medications, which could result in drug resistance if treatment is interrupted.
Evangelical groups were pivotal in convincing President George W. Bush to launch Pepfar in 2004, viewing it as both a pro-life initiative and a chance to promote their values. Carey recounted the dramatic changes in Africa due to Pepfar, transforming HIV from a death sentence to a manageable condition.
A shift in perspective by Senator Jesse Helms, influenced by the rock star Bono, helped gain conservative support for Pepfar by framing AIDS relief as a pro-life cause. This change facilitated congressional backing for the program.
Loftus, witnessing the program's impact in Kenya, expressed concern about the potential return to past hardships if Pepfar does not continue. Various religious groups, including the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, have joined the call to save Pepfar. However, Loftus noted that some churches hesitate to criticize Trump, despite the program's past support.
He pointed out that many politically active Christians might not realize what's at stake, as they consume news that doesn't highlight the issue. This situation creates a conflict between their beliefs and political allegiances.