Letter: A bipartisan success story 20 years strong

At the start of the century, Africa was in free-fall because of AIDS. Mortality rates were skyrocketing. Coffin-making was a major industry. Decades of economic progress was being rolled back. But, as Sir Elton John, rock star and leading AIDS activist, said, "then, the United States came along." And thank goodness, America did.

On May 27, 2003, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) was established to aggressively address the global AIDS crisis. During its 20 years, PEPFAR has saved 25 million lives - that's twice the number of people living in Illinois. It's prevented millions of additional infections. Health delivery systems have been improved and expanded. Households once again are headed by productive, working adults rather than orphans struggling to keep things afloat. PEPFAR is widely acclaimed as a phenomenal success.

Sir Elton observes "what America does for itself has made it strong, but what America does for others makes it great."

As a longtime activist re: HIV/AIDS Africa, I'm thrilled the U.S. has demonstrated this very significant commitment to help end AIDS. I'm even more thrilled that elected officials from both sides of the aisle have consistently come together in an effort to do just that. It makes me proud of America.

Despite PEPFAR's many successes, the AIDS crisis is far from over. COVID-19 has set back progress in ending it, with 38.4 million people now living with HIV and AIDS claiming 2,000 lives a day.

Soon, Congress will vote on funding for PEPFAR. It's critically important that Senators Duckworth and Durbin and our Congressional representatives fully fund this lifesaving, life-giving program. I'm counting on their support. Please join me in encouraging our elected officials to keep this bipartisan success story going strong.

Jan Lohs

Inverness