[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 233 (Monday, December 6, 2004)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 70351-70352]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-26833]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 233 / Monday, December 6, 2004 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 70351]]

                Proclamation 7850 of December 1, 2004

                
World AIDS Day, 2004

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                HIV/AIDS is the greatest health crisis of our time. Its 
                defeat requires the cooperation of the entire global 
                community. On World AIDS Day, people around the world 
                unite to demonstrate our commitment to fighting HIV/
                AIDS and to offer prayers and support for those living 
                with HIV/AIDS and for their families and caregivers.

                America and many nations have great opportunities to 
                improve health, expand prosperity, and extend freedom 
                in our time. My Administration has made turning the 
                tide against HIV/AIDS a priority. In my 2003 State of 
                the Union Address, I was proud to announce the 
                Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. This plan commits $15 
                billion over 5 years to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic in 
                over 100 countries throughout the world, focusing on 15 
                of the hardest-hit countries in Africa, the Caribbean, 
                and Asia. These funds are already at work and will help 
                prevent 7 million new infections, treat 2 million 
                infected individuals, and care for 10 million 
                individuals, including orphans and vulnerable children 
                infected or affected by this disease.

                This year, we also recognize the challenges HIV/AIDS 
                poses to women. Through the Emergency Plan, the United 
                States supports drug therapy and counseling to prevent 
                mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. In addition, 
                we are working to prevent girls from becoming infected 
                through sexual coercion or exploitation and to increase 
                support and services to help reduce the burden on women 
                who are called upon to care for a sick loved one.

                In order to defeat this pandemic, we also must discover 
                new treatments and cures. America joined with other 
                countries at the G-8 Summit in June to announce the 
                Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, a major commitment from 
                the world's leading scientists to find ways to combat 
                this devastating disease. My Administration also 
                supports efforts to encourage testing because in the 
                United States alone, one-quarter of those infected with 
                HIV each year do not know that they are infected. And, 
                because abstinence is the only sure way to avoid 
                sexually transmitted diseases, my Administration has 
                more than tripled funding for abstinence-only programs 
                since taking office.

                Our country and other nations around the world are 
                working to bring new hope to those suffering with HIV/
                AIDS and contribute to a healthier future for people 
                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, 2004, 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 
                remembering those who have lost their lives to this 
                disease and to comfort and support those living with 
                and affected by HIV/AIDS.

[[Page 70352]]

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

                    (Presidential Sig.)B

[FR Doc. 04-26833
Filed 12-3-04; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P