In 2007 I made my first visit to Africa–a Diocese of New York pilgrimage to Dodoma, Tanzania to visit our companion diocese and our shared program, Carpenter’s Kids. The Carpenter’s Kids matched each Tanzanian village to a New York parish, and we sponsored the education of 50 orphans in each village. School was free–but we provided the uniforms, school supplies, and a daily breakfast. Thousands of children received an education because of the program.
But I remember powerfully the discussion with diocesan leaders about the new HIV drugs that were now accessible. They referred to them as “Resurrection Drugs” because people who had looked like they were about to die of AIDS revived and became healthy as soon as they began taking the medication.
We visited many villages and heard stories over and over of how having access to HIV medication had transformed their lives, economies, and families.
These drugs came through PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, started in 2003 by President George W. Bush. In 2024, 20.6 million people were on these resurrection drugs through PEPFAR, and millions more were receiving PReP to prevent HIV transmission, HIV testing, and education on how to protect oneself from HIV.
60% of PEPFAR’s funding comes through USAID; with the remainder coming from other US government agencies.
The recent actions to defund USAID and put their employees on leave mean the PEPFAR program is at risk of collapse. 20 million people may lose access to the drugs that give them meaningful lives, supporting families, and contributing to their nations; those who lose access to PReP will be more at risk of infection; and young people will lose access to the education that helped them avoid the virus. Tens of millions of lives are held in the balance in just this one program.
Where is Christ in this? I believe Jesus is always on the side of resurrection. Those of us who follow Jesus are called to raise our voices on behalf of life-giving and life-sustaining work for our siblings around the globe.