PEPFAR is a central element of the Global Health Initiative (GHI); a six-year initiative (2009-2014) announced by President Obama in 2009, to develop a comprehensive strategy for U.S. government global health efforts.

Initiated for the first time by the U.S. Government, to fight HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in developing countries, and led by the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator at the State Department, PEPFAR aims for significant bilateral assistance in a number of countries. It also includes funding for the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. PEPFAR was initially authorized for five years (2004-2008) by the U.S. Congress under the 'United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003'. PEPFAR was reauthorized in 2008 for five years (2009-2013) under the 'Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008'.

In Cameroon, it is the largest U.S. bilateral aid program focused on HIV/AIDS. Its activities are managed within an inter-agency coordination framework bringing together five U.S. government institutions currently operating in Cameroon, namely the State Department, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Defense, and the Peace Corps.

The main activities under PEPFAR are intended to strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention in healthcare settings in Cameroon, through four main pillars:

• Expand coverage and use of prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS services
• Ensure the availability and accessibility of prevention services for vulnerable populations
• Contribute to the safety and reliability of the national blood supply system based on voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation
• Support the overall strengthening of Cameroon's public health system through strengthening the laboratory system and strategic information