[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 119, 109th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 7967--DEC. 1, 2005
Proclamation 7967 of December 1, 2005
World AIDS Day, 2005
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
On World AIDS Day, we remember those who have lost their lives to AIDS,
and we recommit ourselves to fighting and preventing HIV/AIDS and to
comforting those infected and their loved ones.
The United States is working with its partners around the world to turn
the tide against HIV/AIDS. In May 2003, we committed $15 billion over 5
years to support treatment, prevention, and care. This plan is designed
to support and strengthen the AIDS-fighting strategies of many nations,
including 15 affected countries in Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.
Approximately 400,000 men, women, and children in sub-Saharan Africa
have received life-saving treatment supported through this program. This
is a remarkable improvement from 2 years ago, when just 50,000 people in
sub-Saharan Africa were receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. The plan
focuses on the ABC prevention message--Abstain, Be faithful, and use
Condoms--with abstinence being the only sure way to prevent the sexual
transmission of HIV/AIDS. We are also working with faith-based and
community organizations and

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local leaders around the world to expand testing facilities, upgrade
clinics and hospitals, and train and support medical personnel.
Here at home, more than 1 million people suffer from HIV/AIDS. To stop
the spread of this virus, we are focusing extraordinary Federal efforts
and resources to increase routine voluntary testing, improve access to
life-extending care, and develop a vaccine. We are also grateful for the
work of faith-based and community programs whose efforts in these areas
are helping to improve the lives of our citizens.
On World AIDS Day, we recognize the effect of HIV/AIDS and renew our
commitment to defeat this pandemic. Americans believe that every life
matters and every person counts. The United States will continue to
spread a vision of hope as we stand with people from around the world to
face the challenges of HIV/AIDS with courage and determination.
Together, we can build a better future for all.
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, 2005, 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
appropriate activities to remember those who have lost their lives to
this deadly disease and to comfort and support those living with HIV/
AIDS.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of
December, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
thirtieth.
GEORGE W. BUSH