The Trump administration clarifies PEPFAR’s status amidst a temporary foreign aid suspension, ensuring continued HIV support for millions globally.
At a Glance
- PEPFAR granted waiver for life-saving humanitarian assistance during 90-day foreign aid pause
- President Trump ordered pause to review alignment with “America First” policy
- Over 20 million people globally rely on PEPFAR for HIV treatment and support
- State Department clarifies PEPFAR activities allowed, including HIV care and prevention
- Trump administration considering restructuring USAID under State Department control
PEPFAR Granted Waiver Amid Foreign Aid Suspension
The U.S. State Department has announced that the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a leading HIV initiative, will continue its vital work during a 90-day pause in foreign aid ordered by President Donald Trump. This clarification comes as part of a broader reevaluation of the nation’s aid distribution strategy to better align with the administration’s “America First” approach.
Initially, the suspension of foreign aid contributions caused confusion among aid groups due to a lack of detailed information. Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued waivers for emergency food aid and life-saving medical services, but many organizations were unsure about the continuation of their work. The State Department’s Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy has now provided much-needed clarity on the situation.
.@UNAIDS has welcomed the decision by the US Secretary of State to keep funding life-saving HIV treatment, including PEPFAR – amidst a 90 day funding pause for foreign aid.
The plan has saved around 26 millions lives in the past 20 yrs.https://t.co/XFmInpXzPP
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) January 29, 2025
The State Department has specified that PEPFAR activities are allowed to continue during the aid pause. These activities include HIV care, treatment services, testing, counseling, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission. This decision ensures that the more than 20 million people living with HIV globally who depend on PEPFAR will continue to receive essential support and treatment.
Implications for U.S. Foreign Aid Policy
The temporary pause in foreign aid marks the first halt since the fiscal year began on October 1. As part of this review process, the Trump administration is considering a significant restructuring of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The proposed changes could place USAID under State Department control, potentially altering how U.S. foreign aid is allocated and managed in the future.
