UNAIDS mourns the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham (R-NC), a United States Senator whose decades of public service were distinguished by an unwavering belief that American leadership in the global HIV response carries both strategic purpose and moral responsibility.  

UNAIDS extends our deepest condolences to Senator Graham’s family, friends, staff and colleagues, and to the people of North Carolina on his passing. 

Throughout his career in the Senate, Senator Graham recognized the importance of international cooperation and U.S. support for global efforts to fight HIV/AIDS and other global health challenges, reflecting his belief that such investments contribute to human well-being, security and global stability. 

In April 2023, Senator Graham played a leading role in a bipartisan push to reauthorize the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), saying, 

“We must come together once again to reauthorize PEPFAR and work to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Now is the time to remind the world what American leadership can accomplish when we put our minds and hearts to it.” 

https://www.boozman.senate.gov/2023/4/the-hill-american-generosity-has-saved-25-million-lives-and-counting-let-s-reauthorize-pepfar-now

As a steadfast supporter of PEPFAR, Senator Graham was a consistent advocate of U.S. leadership in the global HIV response, leading bipartisan Congressional political and financial support to advance one of the most successful global health initiatives in history. Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government has played a transformative role in the global HIV response, saving millions of lives around the world and preventing millions of new HIV infections. 

Senator Graham consistently worked across the aisle, helping to sustain unwavering bipartisan U.S. support for the global HIV response in the U.S. Congress for addressing global health and development challenges. He was a relentless advocate within the Republican party to ensure and maintain support for global health programs. 

As Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Senator Graham supported robust U.S. funding for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, maternal and child health, and global health security, recognizing the important role these investments play in advancing health and development outcomes globally. He knew the importance role health and development programs in creating safer and more stable environments around the world. 

Senator Graham’s legacy will be reflected in the transformative policies and programmes he supported, including his efforts to advance the global HIV response. His commitment to public service and bipartisan engagement contributed to global progress that has benefited countries and communities around the world. May his memory inspire bipartisan commitment for continued U.S. leadership in global efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.