CISWH Research Reveals PEPFAR Support Linked to Stronger Economic and Educational Outcomes 

The U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has long been recognized for its role in reducing HIV-related illness and death around the world. In a recent report published by KFF, researchers from the Center for Innovation in Social Work and Health (CISWH) at BU School of Social Work (BUSSW) and KFF examined how the program’s impact may extend far beyond health outcomes alone. 

The study explored how PEPFAR funding was connected to economic growth and school attendance in low- and middle-income countries between 2004 and 2022. Researchers compared countries that received PEPFAR support to similar countries with little or no support to better understand the broader effects of long-term global health investment. 

The findings showed that PEPFAR-supported countries experienced stronger economic growth over time and that both girls and boys were more likely to remain in school, suggesting the program may contribute to broader social and economic stability alongside improvements in public health. 

The report also examined these trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many countries experienced economic disruption and widespread school closures. While all countries faced setbacks during this period, countries receiving PEPFAR support generally continued to show stronger outcomes overall. 

The authors note that recent reductions in PEPFAR funding could affect not only HIV services, but also broader economic and educational progress in countries supported by the program.  

Read the full article here.