[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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

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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.
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.
GEORGE W. BUSH

PROCLAMATION 7851--DEC. 2, 2004