WASHINGTON, D.C. — Many United States citizens do not realize the true impact of AIDS and HIV; impoverished areas often do not have access to proper treatment. However, recent advancements made by American-led programs have made treatments more readily available to the needy, and the outcome has been tremendously positive.
The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is a program developed to help save the lives of those suffering from HIV/AIDS throughout the world. The commitment the United States have made by investing in PEPFAR is the largest in history for combating AIDS/HIV. PEPFAR is headed by donors and partner nations in the quest to effectively combat the dangers of AIDS/HIV.
PEPFAR has three primary goals it follows to establish safety nets against AIDS/HIV. PEPFAR believes that sustainable programs must be country-owned and country-driven. AIDS is a worldwide epidemic — one that constantly requires additional attention and resources. Recently, PEPFAR has been urging local governments to take control of the responses to the epidemic. By doing so, PEPFAR trusts the governments to take a more active role in controlling the AIDS virus.
PEPFAR also stresses HIV/AIDS must be addressed along with other health problems. HIV/AIDS has a tremendous effect not only on the victim, but also the family and their health. PEPFAR hopes to contain the virus and prevent the spread of it by taking measures to protect those in close proximity.
Lastly, sustainable programs must be built upon American strength and increased efficiencies. While the lasting plan is to let local governments take over their AIDS/HIV epidemic response program, many impoverished nations cannot bear that responsibility at the moment. American aid is still needed to keep this program afloat, and for the foreseeable future it will be heavily relied upon.
Whereas PEPFAR works specifically with HIV/AIDS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) deals with diseases and ailments of all types. The CDC is involved in many programs throughout the world, but has been especially effective in providing vaccinations and immunizations in areas that have little access to such resources.
Oftentimes, the areas that need immunizations and vaccinations the most are the areas with little to no access for them. The CDC provides a way for these impoverished areas to receive vaccinations and immunizations; therefore providing a mean of healing and prevention to an area in need.
Programs such as PEPFAR and the CDC are instrumental in increasing world health. By focusing on epidemics and diseases throughout the world, these programs are targeting a major source of problems for impoverished country.
– Zachary Wright
Sources: CDC, PEPFAR
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