Dr. Eric Goosby, a pioneer in the fight against AIDS, is President Obama's choice to run the American effort to combat the disease globally, the White House announced Monday. The President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief, known as Pepfar, was championed by President George W. Bush. It is expected to spend $48 billion over the next five years and is credited with markedly reducing the disease's death rate. Its prevention policy has been controversial because of its emphasis on socially conservative methods. With a new administration and a Democratic majority in the House, organizations seeking prevention choices beyond abstinence and fidelity — including a renewed commitment to distributing condoms — are eager to try to rewrite the guidelines.
Pepfar is committed to fighting AIDS.