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More than 20 notable country artists have come together to urge the U.S. Congress to ensure ongoing funding for PEPFAR — the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — in a bid to eradicate the global HIV/AIDS epidemic by the year 2030.
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The open letter, orchestrated by the ONE Campaign and The 2030 Collaborative, appeared in the Nashville Tennessean this week, showcasing an impressive list of signatories from across the country music spectrum, including Brad Paisley, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, Amy Grant, Darius Rucker, and members of Little Big Town.
The artists highlighted the significant impact of PEPFAR in their plea, stating, “America, did you know that you have led the world in saving the lives of 26 million people from HIV/AIDS around the world? That’s thanks to a program called PEPFAR.”
Established in 2003 by President George W. Bush, PEPFAR is recognized for its vital role in decreasing global HIV/AIDS-related mortality rates. This bipartisan initiative has provided antiretroviral treatment to over 20 million individuals worldwide, positioning it as one of the most effective U.S. foreign assistance programs to date.
However, the recent political landscape has put the future of PEPFAR’s funding at risk.
The artists warned, “If Congress decides to cut funding for PEPFAR, people will not receive their medication. The virus will rebound. Infections will multiply. Millions will die. And the epidemic will grow exponentially worldwide — including a potential explosion in our own backyards.”
The message underscores the dual humanitarian and strategic necessity of continued investment in PEPFAR, asserting: “This isn’t just the smart thing to do — for national security, economic, and public health reasons — this is the right thing to do.”
Dr. Bill Frist, a former U.S. Senate Majority Leader and resident of Middle Tennessee, has also voiced his support for the initiative. He stated, “PEPFAR is the ultimate example of American exceptionalism and compassion. If we back away from this historic, bipartisan commitment to those less fortunate, we are ceding ground to China… and we are turning our back on a successful diplomatic strategy that has fostered unlikely allies, stabilized nations, and strengthened our place in the world.”
Concerned fans and advocates can make their voices heard by visiting ONE.org to send their own letters to Congress.
Additional artists supporting the letter include Brandy Clark, Brittney Spencer, Cam, Cassadee Pope, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn, and Mickey Guyton.
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www.billboard.com