[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 48 (Monday, December 5, 1994)]
[Pages 2441-2442]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6759--World AIDS Day, 1994

November 30, 1994

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    On this World AIDS Day, we recognize the countless determined 
individuals who have provided assistance to those affected by HIV and 
AIDS, and we redouble our efforts to work with our international 
partners and to confront the enormous challenges that remain. Here and 
around the world, people are reaching out to those who are living with 
HIV and AIDS and are joining the fight to stop this epidemic. The theme 
of this year's commemoration, ``Families and AIDS,'' is especially 
fitting. When one person suffers, the entire global family is affected. 
Today, we pledge to keep faith with the thousands of people living with 
HIV and AIDS and their families--their mothers and fathers, brothers and 
sisters, their friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
    In slightly more than 13 years, AIDS has claimed the lives of more 
than 250,000 Americans--nearly five times as many men and women as were 
killed in the Korean War. If current trends continue, by the end of this 
decade we will have lost half a million people to this insidious 
disease, more than our Nation's total losses in World War II. The World 
Health Organization estimates that 30 to 40 million people worldwide 
will have been infected with HIV by the end of the decade. The problem 
of HIV and AIDS is global, and it is one of staggering proportions. The 
United States will continue to work with our global partners in the 
worldwide battle against HIV and AIDS.
    Here at home in response to the epidemic, hundreds of community-
based organizations have devoted themselves to provide medical care, 
social and support services, respite care, meal delivery, and education 
and prevention programs to persons with HIV or AIDS. Together with those 
they serve, the men and women of these organizations--most of whom are 
volunteers--are the heroes of our common struggle.
    In the past two years, our Nation has reenergized its response to 
HIV and AIDS. At a time of zero budget growth, funding for AIDS programs 
has been increased by 30 percent. AIDS research funding has risen by 25 
percent, and money going to grants under the Ryan White CARE Act has 
been increased by 82 percent, bringing vital services to thousands of 
men, women, and children in need. Our research efforts have been 
reorganized and refocused, and they have already begun to produce 
results. When scientists discovered that treatment with AZT could 
sharply reduce the risk of HIV transmission from mothers to their unborn 
children, the Government acted quickly both to provide women and their 
health care professionals with new guidelines and to change the labeling 
on that drug. Already, we are saving lives.
    On World AIDS Day, we rededicate ourselves to the battle against HIV 
and AIDS. Our Government must continue to do its part, including 
reauthorizing the Ryan White CARE Act and continuing to enforce the 
Americans with Disabilities Act. Business and community leaders must 
push forward in their remarkable efforts to educate people everywhere. 
And every one of us must strive to reach out to those who are living 
with HIV and AIDS to make their paths a little smoother, to make their 
hearts a little lighter, and to make their lives a little richer.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, 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, 1994, as ``World AIDS Day.'' I invite the Governors of the States, 
the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of other territories subject 
to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to 
join me in reaffirming our commitment to combat HIV and AIDS and to 
reach out with compassion to those living with this disease.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day 
of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-four, 
and the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
nineteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[[Page 2442]]

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:46 a.m., December 1, 
1994]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 2.