US funding for PEPFAR program at risk

US funding for the PEPFAR (President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) program, aimed at fighting HIV/AIDS globally, is at risk as it approaches its deadline for authorization. Congressman Chris Smith is pushing for a one-year reauthorization instead of the usual five-year authorization, along with the reinstatement of anti-abortion restrictions. Critics argue that PEPFAR does not support abortion, and the misinformation has caused concern about the program's future and its impact on global health efforts. PEPFAR has been hailed as the most successful global health program, preventing HIV transmission and providing support and treatment for millions of people in more than 50 countries.