PEPFAR: A Conversation with OGR and Tom Hart

In this special episode, we’re in conversation with Tom Hart, President of the ONE Campaign and former Director of The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations. We discuss the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the role of the faith community in the success of this program, and the urgent need for reauthorization. He will share his insights on the program and share his perspective on what steps must be taken to ensure that progress is not erased. About PEPFAR: In 2003, President George W. Bush launched PEPFAR, elevating the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS as a foreign policy priority. The faith community was instrumental in the development of this program, and we have continued to play a critical role in its success. PEPFAR has saved more than 25 million lives and fundamentally changed the course of the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. PEPFAR’s authorization expired on September 30, and reauthorization is needed. Tom Hart is President of the ONE Campaign. Tom has been with ONE since 2003 and most recently served as acting CEO while Gayle Smith was on leave at the U.S. State Department. Tom has years of experience in driving the fight to end extreme poverty, a deep knowledge of and experience in making change happen, and an undying commitment to ONE’s mission. Prior to serving as acting CEO, Tom was the North American executive director, where he oversaw ONE’s advocacy in the United States and Canada, as well as ONE’s global campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic. Tom has been part of the adoption of significant initiatives to support global health, increase electrification and private sector investment in Africa, and raise billions of dollars in poverty-fighting assistance. Previously, Tom was the senior director of government relations at ONE. Before joining ONE, Tom was the director of government relations for The Episcopal Church. The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/. MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST: Take action to support PEPFAR The One Campaign The Office of Government Relations Internship Program