    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 117, 108th Congress, 1st Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    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.

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    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.
    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.
    GEORGE W. BUSH