The U.S. State Department clarified on Saturday that the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—the world’s largest HIV initiative—is exempt from the 90-day pause on foreign aid ordered by President Donald Trump.
Shortly after taking office on January 20, Trump halted all foreign aid contributions for review under his "America First" policy. While emergency food aid was granted an exemption earlier, the lack of clarity left aid organizations uncertain about which programs could continue.
The State Department's Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy issued a formal memo confirming that PEPFAR remains operational, allowing for:
HIV care and treatment, including testing and counseling
Prevention and treatment of infections such as tuberculosis (TB)
Laboratory services and medicine supply chains
Mother-to-child HIV transmission prevention
The memo stated that all other activities not explicitly mentioned require express approval.
PEPFAR directly supports over 20 million people living with HIV worldwide, accounting for two-thirds of all those receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, the wider foreign aid freeze remains in place. As of Tuesday, all U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) payments were suspended, marking the first halt in funding since October 1.
Additionally, sources indicate that the Trump administration is considering placing USAID under direct State Department control, a move that would significantly reshape U.S. foreign aid policy.
Over 100 people have died after severe flooding struck a village near Lake Tanganyika in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exacerbating the region's ongoing challenges.
A Soviet-era spacecraft, Kosmos 482, plunges to Earth's atmosphere on Saturday, more than 50 years after its failed launch to Venus, with its fiery descent tracked by both Russian and European space agencies.
Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Sunday noon blessing, called for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages, emphasizing humanitarian aid and unity during a message delivered from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed Russia’s latest signal for renewed peace talks with Ukraine, offering Istanbul once again as a venue for direct negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh on Tuesday highlights efforts to strengthen economic ties with Saudi Arabia amidst paused normalization talks with Israel due to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Over 100 people have died after severe flooding struck a village near Lake Tanganyika in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exacerbating the region's ongoing challenges.
A Soviet-era spacecraft, Kosmos 482, plunges to Earth's atmosphere on Saturday, more than 50 years after its failed launch to Venus, with its fiery descent tracked by both Russian and European space agencies.
Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Sunday noon blessing, called for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages, emphasizing humanitarian aid and unity during a message delivered from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed Russia’s latest signal for renewed peace talks with Ukraine, offering Istanbul once again as a venue for direct negotiations.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
Researchers at United Arab Emirates University have developed an innovative non-surgical blood flow monitoring technology using piezoelectric pressure sensors, offering a more cost-effective and accurate approach for detecting vital health conditions.
Bird flu has gained increased attention in recent years, with recent outbreaks in animals and sporadic human cases raising public health concerns. This report provides essential information about avian influenza, its current status, risks, prevention strategies, and treatment options.
The World Health Organization is set to recommend weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound for treating obesity in adults, marking its first official backing of such medications and signaling a major shift in global health policy.
China released a white paper on COVID-19 prevention, control and origins tracing on Wednesday, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported, lauding its own contributions while casting doubts on the United States.
Australia’s Labor party has promised a free medical advice line and expanded Medicare funding as cost-of-living pressures dominate the election campaign.
Over 100 people have died after severe flooding struck a village near Lake Tanganyika in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exacerbating the region's ongoing challenges.
A Soviet-era spacecraft, Kosmos 482, plunges to Earth's atmosphere on Saturday, more than 50 years after its failed launch to Venus, with its fiery descent tracked by both Russian and European space agencies.
Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Sunday noon blessing, called for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages, emphasizing humanitarian aid and unity during a message delivered from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed Russia’s latest signal for renewed peace talks with Ukraine, offering Istanbul once again as a venue for direct negotiations.
Pope Leo XIV made a surprise visit to the Basilica of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Genazzano. AnewZ covered the event, with journalist Maria Rodriguez Abalde on-site. She witnessed the occasion firsthand and documented key moments. More images and footage will be available soon.
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