Controlling the Global HIV Epidemic
Four decades after the first cases were reported, HIV is still a leading cause of death and a health threat to millions worldwide. Today, the world has the tools needed to control the HIV epidemic and lay the groundwork for ending this disease. However, many people are not benefiting from the latest scientific advances. Controlling the HIV epidemic requires the equitable use of effective treatment and prevention programs focusing on populations disproportionately impacted by HIV.
As a key implementing partner of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), CDC works side-by-side with ministries of health, civil and faith-based organizations, private sector organizations, and other on-the-ground partners to improve methods for finding, treating, and preventing HIV. The investments made today in response to HIV will save lives, strengthen communities, and pave the way for long-term sustainability.
CDC’s Contributions
Statement from CDC leaders on progress toward HIV epidemic control.
Antiretroviral Treatment for Men, Women, and Children**
PEPFAR: 18.9 Million
CDC: 11.8 Million
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcisions (VMMC)****
PEPFAR: 27.7 Million
CDC: 14.3 Million
People Who Received a Positive HIV Test Result***
PEPFAR: 2.5 Million
CDC: 1.5 Million
HIV-Positive Persons Screened in Care for TB***
PEPFAR: 15.5 Million
CDC: 9.5 Million
Antiretroviral Treatment to Prevent Mother-to-child Transmission***
PEPFAR: 756,000
CDC: 481,000
Sources: U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)external icon
*Other USG agencies may have also contributed to some of these achievements **As of Sept 30, 2021 ***FY2021 ****Cumulative through Sept 30, 2021
Accelerating Epidemic Control in South Africa
CDC is supporting Siyenza, a results-oriented initiative that’s laser-focused on scaling up proven public health interventions at the clinical level. Siyenza (an isiZulu word meaning “We are doing it”) is rapidly identifying people living with previously undiagnosed HIV, initiating them on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, and finding innovative ways to retain them on treatment to achieve suppression of the virus. Read More
Feature Stories
Learn how CDC and partners adapted services to sustain and expand key HIV treatment and prevention activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Partnering to End the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Worldwide

CDC’s Dr. Minesh Shah, an internal medicine physician and a medical officer in the Division of Global HIV and Tuberculosis, and Matsepo Mary-Anna Dee Mphafi, an HIV peer counselor in Lesotho with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, discuss their inspiring work to fight HIV around the world as part of PEPFAR.
PEPFAR.gov
The PEPFAR.gov website describes how PEPFAR and CDC are leading efforts to accelerate controlling the HIV epidemic worldwide
PEPFAR15
The PEPFAR15 page describes how for fifteen years, CDC has played a critical role in PEPFAR’s efforts to save millions of lives across the globe.
HIV Overview
The HIV overview provides a historical look at CDC’s leadership, reach, innovation and impact in the global fight against HIV.