[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 233 (Thursday, December 4, 2003)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 67787-67788]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-30305]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 68, No. 233 / Thursday, December 4, 2003 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 67787]]

                Proclamation 7740 of December 1, 2003

                
World AIDS Day, 2003

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The HIV/AIDS pandemic presents one of the greatest 
                medical and social challenges of our time. On World 
                AIDS Day, members of the global community come together 
                to demonstrate our shared commitment to turning the 
                tide against the spread of HIV/AIDS, bringing hope and 
                healing to those who are suffering, and finding a cure.

                Over the last two decades, AIDS has claimed the lives 
                of more than 20 million people. Three million have died 
                in the last year alone. Today, more than 40 million 
                people are living with HIV, including nearly 30 million 
                in Africa. Behind these staggering numbers are the 
                names and faces of orphaned and suffering children, 
                devastated communities, and a continent in crisis.

                In my State of the Union Message to the Congress in 
                January of this year, I announced an ``Emergency Plan 
                for AIDS Relief,'' with a goal of helping millions 
                around the world affected by HIV/AIDS, particularly 
                those in the most afflicted nations in Africa and the 
                Caribbean. In May, the Congress responded by passing 
                the ``United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, 
                Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003,'' which I signed 
                into law. A life-saving initiative, the Act commits $15 
                billion over the next 5 years to prevent 7 million new 
                HIV infections, treat at least 2 million people with 
                life-extending drugs, provide care for at least 10 
                million people affected by AIDS, continue bilateral 
                programs in over 75 countries, and increase support for 
                the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and 
                Malaria. This work of mercy will help overcome fear, 
                stigma, and discrimination and create a cycle of hope 
                and promise that will benefit millions.

                Here at home, we will spend more than $15 billion this 
                year to combat AIDS in America. This money will support 
                research activities, care and treatment services, and 
                prevention programs, including the wide availability of 
                rapid HIV testing.

                Fighting HIV/AIDS is not only a great challenge but 
                also a moral imperative for those who believe in the 
                value and dignity of every human life. This World AIDS 
                Day, the United States remains committed to taking 
                action, showing compassion, and bringing hope to those 
                affected by HIV/AIDS around the world.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2003, as World 
                AIDS Day. I urge the Governors of the States and the 
                Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other 
                territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United 
                States, and the American people to join me in 
                reaffirming our commitment to combating HIV/AIDS. I 
                encourage all Americans to participate in appropriate 
                commemorative programs and ceremonies in houses of 
                worship, workplaces, and other community centers to 
                remember those who have lost their lives to this deadly 
                disease and to comfort and support those living with 
                and affected by HIV/AIDS.

[[Page 67788]]

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                first day of December, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand three, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and twenty-eighth.

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 03-30305
Filed 12-3-03; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P