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What does PEPFAR's future look like in the Trump administration?

PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, has saved 26 million lives since President George W. Bush launched the program in 2003. But the Trump administration has made major changes to the way the U.S. distributes foreign aid, disrupting HIV care — and leaving many health workers uncertain about the future of PEPFAR.

April 20, 2026
what-does-pepfars-future-look-like-in-the-trump-administration

PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, has saved 26 million lives since President George W. Bush launched the program in 2003. But the Trump administration has made major changes to the way the U.S. distributes foreign aid, disrupting HIV care — and leaving many health workers uncertain about the future of PEPFAR.

What do those changes to foreign assistance mean for the fight against HIV and AIDS around the world?

Host Juana Summers speaks with Dr. Deborah Birx, who once was the U.S. global AIDS coordinator in charge of PEPFAR.

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This episode was produced by Vincent Acovino and Karen Zamora. It was edited by Patrick Jarenwattananon and Courtney Dorning. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

Read the full story on NPR