[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 48 (Monday, December 5, 2005)]
[Pages 1804-1805]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7967--World AIDS Day, 2005

December 1, 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 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

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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

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:25 a.m., December 2, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
December 5.