Rep. Barbara Lee: How to Move Toward an AIDS-Free Generation
To the Editor:
Re “Why Trump Should Keep Pepfar,” by Bill Frist (Op-Ed, Feb. 9):
Bill Frist is exactly right: The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or Pepfar, has been one of the most successful public health and peace initiatives in our country’s history. This lifesaving program is an important example of what our government can accomplish when we set aside partisan disagreements and focus on saving lives.
In the early 2000s, I was honored to lead the bipartisan effort, with the backing of the Congressional Black Caucus, to establish Pepfar. Under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama, we have strengthened the program. As a direct result of this bipartisan work, public health experts believe that we are on the cusp of realizing an AIDS-free generation by 2030.
Right now, we are at a turning point in the AIDS epidemic. Either we can redouble our investments and eradicate the disease, or we can retreat from our leadership in the world.
I urge President Trump to learn from the successes of Pepfar and choose the first option.
BARBARA LEE
Washington
The writer, a California Democrat, is a member of the House Budget and Appropriations Committees and a co-chairwoman of the Congressional H.I.V.-AIDS Caucus.
To read this op-ed in its orginal format, click here.
Source: New York Times