Highlights
- NGO Alliance InterAction applauds the swift passage of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in the U.S. Senate and House
- World Vision applauds Congress’ bipartisan support of this critical, life-saving program
WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 19, 2013) — NGO alliance InterAction applauds the swift passage this week of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Stewardship and Oversight Act of 2013 in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.
Congress is to be commended for its support of this legislation, which is critical to the U.S. government’s long-standing, bipartisan commitment to combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic worldwide, the alliance said. InterAction applauds the leadership of Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Bob Corker (R-TX), as well as Representatives Elliot Engel (D-NY), Ed Royce (R-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), as they shepherded this legislation through Congress.
“The impact of PEPFAR is second to none,” said Samuel A. Worthington, president and CEO of InterAction, an alliance of more than 180 U.S.-based international NGOs. “In fiscal year 2012 alone, PEPFAR’s work on preventing mother-to-child transmission resulted in approximately 230,000 infants being born HIV-free. The hard work, dedication to, and support of this program has put the world within reach of an AIDS-free generation.”
As Washington prepares to hold the replenishment conference for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis in early December, the passage of this legislation demonstrates the U.S. Congress’ bipartisan support and continued commitment to combating HIV/AIDS. U.S. dollars are leveraged two to one within the Global Fund, ensuring a strong return on investment. Continued congressional support for programs such as PEPFAR will send a positive signal to other donor countries during the replenishment conference and help ensure robust funding from other nations.
“I am encouraged to see the continued bipartisan support in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for this essential program,” Worthington said.
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About InterAction:
InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based nongovernmental international organizations, with more than 180 members. Our members operate in every developing country, working with local communities to overcome poverty and suffering by helping to improve their quality of life. Visitwww.InterAction.org.
About World Vision:
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization conducting relief, development, and advocacy activities in its work with children, families, and their communities in nearly 100 countries to help them reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. For more information, please visit www.WorldVision.org/media-center/ or on Twitter @WorldVisionUSA.