America, did you know that you have led the world in saving the lives of 26 million people from HIV/AIDS around the world?
That’s thanks to a program called PEPFAR, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
Twenty-three years ago, President George W. Bush had the vision to bring together Republicans and Democrats to legislate a plan to stop the AIDS epidemic that was killing 3 million men, women and children a year.
And we are on track to end the AIDS epidemic status by 2030.
Demonstrators, some of them former PEPFAR and USAID employees, protest to demand that Congress stand up to President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” and reinstate lifesaving programs in the Cannon House Office Building.
Today, 20 million people are on antiretroviral medications, keeping infection and death rates at their lowest in 20 years. That’s 20 million souls for whom “America” means generosity, compassion and life.
But all that can change in the blink of an eye. If Congress decides to cut funding for PEPFAR, people will not receive their medication. The virus will rebound.
Opinion: Tennessee’s reallocation of HIV prevention funds will do more harm than good
Infections will multiply. Millions will die. And, the epidemic will grow exponentially worldwide, including a potential explosion in our own backyards.
Lend your voice. Join us by sending a letter to let Congress know you want to see the end of AIDS in 2030, requiring their support to fully fund PEPFAR. This isn’t just the smart thing to do, for national security, economic, and public health reasons; this is the right thing to do.
Visit ONE.org to take action today.
This letter was drafted by the ONE Campaign and The 2030 Collaborative and was signed by the following country music stars. The letter was subsequently sent 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 Big Town
Karen Fairchild, Little Big Town
Kimberly Schlapman, Little Big Town
Kix Brooks, Brooks & Dunn
Kristian Bush, Sugarland
LeAnn Rimes
Maren Morris
Mickey Guyton
Philip Sweet, Little Big Town
Sheryl Crow
Addendum: Middle Tennessee resident Dr. Bill Frist, who served as U.S. Senate Majority Leader when PEPFAR became law, offered the following statement: “PEPFAR is the ultimate example of American exceptionalism and compassion. If we back away from this historic, bipartisan commitment to those less fortunate, we are ceding ground to China who will fill the void in our absence. We are leaving the American people at greater risk of future pandemics, as our global health investments help contain local outbreaks and prevent dangerous, novel viruses from reaching our shores. And we are turning our back on a successful diplomatic strategy that has fostered unlikely allies, stabilized nations, and strengthened our place in the world.”
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: PEPFAR saves lives from AIDS epidemic and should continue | Letters