Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation (Washington, DC)
17 July 2008
press release
Washington, DC — Statement of Pamela W. Barnes, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation:
"The Senate's vote today to renew the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) brings hope to millions facing HIV/AIDS in the countries hardest hit by the pandemic. The authorization of $48 billion over the next five years will ensure that we sustain those who depend on PEPFAR's critical services, and extend its lifesaving benefits to many more in urgent need. We commend lawmakers for ensuring that the renewal of this historic and highly successful global AIDS initiative will expand prevention, with a particular emphasis on prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
As the largest provider of PMTCT services under PEPFAR, we applaud both the House and Senate for recognizing the need to dramatically expand efforts to reach women and their children. Despite success in almost eradicating pediatric AIDS in the developed world, more than 1,100 babies are infected every day with the HIV virus in resource-poor countries. Tragically, most of those infections could be prevented with tools and knowledge we already possess.
While we've made great progress in recent years, we are still only reaching 34 percent of pregnant, HIV-positive mothers with the medicine they need to keep their babies HIV-free. We are committed to achieving the target in this legislation to reach 80 percent of pregnant women with the PMTCT services they desperately need. The resources marshaled in this round of PEPFAR will help us get there even faster.
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a leader in providing pediatric and family-centered care and treatment worldwide. Like the House bill, the Senate version also sets targets for pediatric treatment to ensure that children no longer lag behind in our response to the pandemic.
While children represent 17 percent of all new infections, they represent only 9 percent of individuals receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment under PEPFAR. It is critical that we reach all HIV-infected children as early as possible with the medicines that will allow them to lead full and healthy lives. The Senate bill establishes a target that the number of children receiving care and treatment under PEPFAR will be proportionate to the rate of infection in children in each country. It also strengthens House language that prioritizes operations research to evaluate and implement the best methods available for fighting the pandemic.
We applaud Senators Joseph Biden (D-DE), Richard Lugar (R-IN), Harry Reid (D-NV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Gordon Smith (R-OR), and Hillary Clinton (D-NY) for their essential leadership on this legislation. We are pleased that the Senate has now come together to renew this vitally needed program, and urge both chambers to work together to quickly send the President a strong bill that he can sign into law."
About the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is a worldwide leader in the fight against pediatric AIDS. Its innovative research programs, collaborative training initiatives, advocacy efforts, and rapidly expanding international prevention and treatment programs are bringing dramatic changes to the lives of children worldwide.
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