Maine faith leaders say global HIV/AIDS program shows ‘American compassion’

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BANGOR — Faith leaders from across Maine gathered Tuesday to thank U.S. Sen. Susan Collins for her support for a global program to fight HIV/AIDS.

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, commonly referred to as PEPFAR, launched in 2003 and “has been central to the global fight against HIV/AIDS,” according to the pastors and other who gathered at the Bangor Public Library.

“PEPFAR demonstrates an American compassion and a stand for life,” said Barb Ford, executive director of Godparent Home Ministries. “American generosity has saved over 25 million lives and prevented millions of HIV infections through PEPFAR since 2003.”

In a letter from about 50 faith leaders in Maine, the group praises Collins for opposing $400 million in cuts to the program.

“Your efforts to ensure this lifesaving initiative continues to serve those in need reflect not only your commitment to good governance, but also the core Christian values of compassion, stewardship, and service to the most vulnerable,” the letter reads.

Former President George W. Bush launched the program at a time when the HIV/AIDS crisis was killing millions in Africa, according to the George W. Bush Presidential Center. Estimates show the program has saved 26 million lives.

In recent months, the Trump administration has released about $3 billion of the $6 billion appropriated by Congress to support the program, according to the New York Times.

In comments to a congressional committee in June, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said he was working to root out “waste, fraud and abuse” in the PEPFAR program but that funding for live saving treatments would continue.

Carroll Conley, former executive director of the Christian Civic League of Maine, said the pastors will remain vigilant to ensure that the funding comes through to help those in need.

“We realize when you look how this has spanned so many different administrations what even happens now isn’t guaranteed either as a positive or a negative in the next administration, so this thank you is not an end to this process in any way shape or form,” he said.