The **President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)** is a U.S. government initiative launched in 2003 to combat the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, primarily in Africa and other heavily affected regions. It is the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease internationally and is credited with saving approximately **25 million lives** to date through prevention, treatment, and care programs[1][2]. PEPFAR’s core activities include providing antiretroviral therapy (ART) to millions of people living with HIV, expanding access to HIV prevention methods such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)—which saw a 500% increase in initiations between 2020 and 2024—and supporting health systems to deliver comprehensive HIV services[1][9]. The program has enabled **5.5 billion babies to be born HIV-free** to mothers living with HIV and has supported millions of orphans affected by AIDS[2][8]. Strategically, PEPFAR emphasizes data-driven program improvements through partnerships with local governments, community organizations, and scientific institutions like the CDC, which conducts Population-Based HIV Impact Assessments to track progress and guide interventions[4]. It has been instrumental in reducing new HIV infections by 52% and AIDS-related deaths by 59% in supported countries since 2010, outperforming global averages[1]. PEPFAR has also bolstered global health security by strengthening resilient healthcare systems, training over 340,000 healthcare workers, and contributing to broader pandemic preparedness[2][5]. Economically, ART expansion supported by PEPFAR correlates with increased life expectancy and GDP growth in partner countries, showing significant returns beyond health outcomes[5]. Despite its success, PEPFAR faces challenges, including funding uncertainties. A 2025 funding freeze temporarily threatened progress, with projections estimating hundreds of thousands of additional HIV-related deaths and new infections if funding ceased, underscoring PEPFAR’s critical role i