Today, in advance of World AIDS Day 2018, Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo announced the latest results achieved by American leadership and partnerships through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which has now saved more than 17 million lives.

As of September 30, 2018, PEPFAR is supporting over 14.6 million people on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, including over 700,000 children. This is compared with the 50,000 people who were on HIV treatment in Africa when PEPFAR began in 2003. PEPFAR has also enabled over 2.4 million babies to be born HIV-free to mothers living with HIV and supported over 6.8 million orphans, vulnerable children, and their caregivers.

Additional PEPFAR data reveal that Ethiopia is on the verge of achieving HIV epidemic control and that Nigeria may be closer to achieving HIV epidemic control than was previously thought, with the majority of Nigerians who report being on HIV treatment having suppressed their viral replication, allowing them to thrive and not transmit the virus.

This progress builds on that highlighted in the 2018 PEPFAR Strategy Progress Report released in September, which shows that up to 13 high-HIV-burden countries are now on pace to control their HIV epidemic by 2020 through the support of the U.S. government and the contributions of other partners. That report also highlighted that many more of the 53 countries globally that are supported by PEPFAR could achieve epidemic control by 2020 by focusing their resources and policies to ensure access to HIV prevention and treatment services for those most in need.

A new PEPFAR report released today highlights that, in the past year, new HIV diagnoses among adolescent girls and young women continued to decline in 85 percent of the highest HIV burden communities/districts that are implementing the program’s DREAMS public-private partnership. In addition, eight of the DREAMS-supported districts that had less than a 25 percent decline of new HIV diagnoses among adolescent girls and young women in 2017 had a greater than 25 percent decline in 2018 – showing marked success. These reductions are particularly critical as, in 2017, three in four new infections in sub-Saharan Africa occurred among girls ages 15-19.

The United States remains the largest donor to the global HIV response, investing resources provided through the generosity of the American people with accountability, transparency, efficiency, and effectiveness.

For more information, contact harozd@state.gov. Follow the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief at @PEPFAR and www.pepfar.gov.

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The United States requested the extradition of two suspected Russian arms dealers, Vladimir Lyubishin Sr. and Vladimir Lyubishin Jr., pursuant to the U.S.-Hungary Extradition Treaty. Hungary denied the U.S. request and instead extradited the suspects to Russia, where it is unclear whether they will face trial.

The United States is disappointed in the Hungarian government’s decision to extradite the Lyubishins to Russia. The United States had a strong case, built in cooperation with members of Hungarian law enforcement. Hungary is a partner and friend of the United States, but this decision raises questions about Hungary’s commitment to law enforcement cooperation. This decision is not consistent with our law enforcement partnership, undercuts the work that our agencies had done together to build this case, and will make citizens in the United States, Hungary, and the world less safe.

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External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

Iranian President Rouhani has once again called for the destruction of Israel. He referred to it as a “cancerous tumor” and a “fake regime.” Such statements inflame tensions in the region by seemingly calling for war. At an international conference on Islamic unity, Rouhani also encouraged Muslims worldwide to unite against the United States. This is a dangerous and irresponsible step that will further deepen Iran’s isolation.

The Iranian regime is no friend of America or Israel when they repeatedly call for the death of millions, including Muslims. The Iranian people know better and do not agree with their government, which has badly represented them to the world for 39 years. The people have suffered under this tyranny for far too long.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo spoke on the phone with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko today to discuss Russian aggression against Ukraine in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait. Secretary Pompeo reiterated strong U.S. support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, extending to its territorial waters. President Poroshenko expressed gratitude for U.S. statements of support and underscored the importance of Western nations remaining united in the face of Russian aggression. Secretary Pompeo agreed and expressed appreciation for Ukrainian steps to de-escalate the situation with Russia.

The Office of Website Management, Bureau of Public Affairs, manages this site as a portal for information from the U.S. State Department.
External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein.

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Heather Nauert:‎

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met today with Kosovo President Hashim Thaci. The Secretary reaffirmed steadfast U.S. support for a sovereign, independent Kosovo, fully integrated into the international community. The Secretary congratulated Thaci and all of Kosovo’s citizens on the great strides they have made in the decade since independence and discussed the importance of enshrining rule of law and fostering robust economic growth to ensure Kosovo’s future success.

The Secretary encouraged Kosovo to seize this unique window of opportunity to reach a historic comprehensive normalization deal with Serbia under the EU-facilitated Dialogue process. He urged Kosovo authorities to rescind the tariffs placed on imports from Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and to work with Serbia to avoid provocations and deescalate tensions. Normalizing relations between Kosovo and Serbia is the only way to clear the path to both countries’ future integration into the Western community of nations. The United States is ready to help and support the parties to reach a solution that is durable, implementable, and increases stability.

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