EGPAF’s Statement in Support of Heroes Act 2020

The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation is encouraged that an updated version of The Heroes Act (H.R. 6800), released this week by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, contains essential funding for global health programs including PEPFAR, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, and UNICEF as part of the next COVID-19 relief package. Such investment is needed immediately to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on efforts to end HIV and AIDS, decrease child mortality, and combat other infectious diseases.

The world has seen tremendous global health advancements over the last two decades largely through U.S. political and financial investments. Yet due to the extraordinary disruption of COVID-19, decades of progress are in jeopardy. Congressional leadership is more important than ever to protect and secure these gains. Action is needed without delay. We urge Congress to move forward with this critical global health funding as a meaningful step toward the road to recovery.