    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 9216--NOV. 28, 2014

    Proclamation 9216 of November 28, 2014

    World AIDS Day, 2014

    By the President of the United States of America

    A Proclamation

    In communities across our Nation and around the world, we have made
    extraordinary progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Just over
    three decades ago, when we knew only the devastation HIV inflicted,
    those living with it had to fight just to be treated with dignity and
    compassion, and since the first cases of AIDS were reported, tens of
    millions of vibrant men and women have lost their lives to this deadly
    virus. Today, we have transformed what it means to live with HIV/AIDS.
    More effective prevention, treatment, and care now save millions of
    lives while awareness has soared and research has surged. This World
    AIDS Day, we come together to honor all those who have been touched by
    HIV/AIDS and celebrate the promising public health and scientific
    advances that have brought us closer to our goal of an AIDS-free
    generation.
    Since I took office, more people who are infected with HIV have learned
    of their status, allowing them to access the essential care that can
    improve their health, extend their lives, and prevent transmission of
    the virus to others. My Administration has made strides to limit new
    infections and reduce HIV-related disparities and health inequalities,
    and we have nearly eliminated the waiting list for the AIDS Drug
    Assistance Program. For many, with testing and access to the right
    treatment, a disease that was once a death sentence now offers a good
    chance for a healthy and productive life.
    Despite these gains, too many with HIV/AIDS, especially young Americans,
    still do not know they are infected; too many communities, including gay
    and bisexual men, African Americans, and Hispanics remain
    disproportionately impacted; and too many individuals continue to bear
    the burden of discrimination and stigma. There is more work to do, and
    my Administration remains steadfast in our commitment to defeating this
    disease. Guided by our National HIV/AIDS Strategy, we are working to
    build a society where every person has access to life-extending care,
    regardless of who they are or whom they love. The Affordable Care Act
    prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage due to a pre-
    existing condition, such as HIV/AIDS, and requires that most health
    plans cover HIV screenings without copays for everyone ages 15 to 65 and
    others at increased risk. We have expanded opportunities for
    groundbreaking research, and we continue to invest in innovation to
    develop a vaccine and find a cure. And this summer, my Administration
    held a series of listening sessions across the country to better
    understand the successes and challenges of those fighting HIV at the
    local and State level.
    In the face of a disease that extends far beyond our borders, the United
    States remains committed to leading the world in the fight against HIV/
    AIDS and ensuring no one is left behind. Hundreds of thousands of
    adolescent girls and young women are infected with HIV every year, and
    we are working to reach and assist them and every community in need. As
    part of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, over 7 million
    people with HIV around the globe are receiving antiretroviral

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    treatment, a four-fold increase since the start of my Administration. In
    countries throughout the world, our initiatives are improving the lives
    of women and girls, accelerating life-saving treatment for children, and
    supporting healthy, robust communities.
    As a Nation, we have made an unwavering commitment to bend the curve of
    the HIV epidemic, and the progress we have seen is the result of
    countless people who have shared their stories, lent their strength, and
    led the fight to spare others the anguish of this disease. Today, we
    remember all those who lost their battle with HIV/AIDS, and we recognize
    those who agitated and organized in their memory. On this day, let us
    rededicate ourselves to continuing our work until we reach the day we
    know is possible--when no child has to know the pain of HIV/AIDS and no
    life is limited by this virus.
    NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
    America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
    the laws of the United States do hereby proclaim December 1, 2014, 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
    AIDS and to provide support and comfort to those living with this
    disease.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day
    of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    ninth.
    BARACK OBAMA