The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has approved an “Emergency Humanitarian Waiver” to ensure continued access to HIV treatment funded by the U.S. across 55 countries.
The waiver comes amid a recently announced 90-day pause on U.S. foreign assistance, which temporarily halted funding for programs, including the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR supports more than 20 million people living with HIV—two-thirds of all individuals receiving treatment worldwide.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima welcomed the decision, emphasizing its importance in sustaining life-saving HIV medication. “This urgent decision recognizes PEPFAR’s critical role in the AIDS response and restores hope to people living with HIV,” she stated.
The waiver permits the continuation of essential humanitarian aid, including HIV treatment and related medical services. UNAIDS reaffirmed its commitment to working with governments, communities, and partners to mitigate the pause’s impact and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of HIV care and prevention programs.
