[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 49 (Monday, December 6, 2004)]
[Pages 2891-2892]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7850--World AIDS Day, 2004

 December 1, 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 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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 3, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 6.

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