[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 48 (Monday, December 3, 2007)]
[Pages 1542-1543]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8207--World AIDS Day, 2007

 November 29, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    On World AIDS Day, we reaffirm our commitment to fighting and 
preventing HIV/

[[Page 1543]]

AIDS in America and around the world. We also remember those who have 
lost their lives to this terrible disease and those who continue to 
suffer.
    HIV/AIDS is a global challenge. In 2003, my Administration launched 
the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a $15 billion 
mobilization, to help support prevention, treatment, and care programs 
in some of the hardest hit countries around the world. PEPFAR's ABC 
approach--abstinence, being faithful, and using condoms--with abstinence 
as the only sure way to avoid the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS, is 
helping stop the spread of this devastating disease.
    In the United States as well, HIV/AIDS affects too many of our 
families, neighbors, and friends. We continue to fund research to 
develop new methods of treatment and prevention, and to emphasize 
voluntary HIV screening as a routine part of health care. The Ryan White 
CARE Act has provided Americans in need with better access to medical 
care, antiretroviral treatments, and counseling. With medicine, support, 
and their own daily courage, many citizens are managing a condition that 
was once often fatal.
    The pandemic of HIV/AIDS can be defeated. The United States is 
taking the lead in this great effort, and we stand united with our 
international partners in combating this virus. We also recognize the 
essential role that faith-based and community organizations play in 
providing support and compassion to those living with the disease. By 
working together, we can give hope and comfort to millions.
    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, 2007, as World 
AIDS Day. On this day and throughout the year, the red ribbon helps 
raise awareness of the importance of fighting HIV/AIDS. This year, the 
White House will display this symbol from the North Portico to represent 
America's commitment to this struggle. 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-ninth 
day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
second.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., December 3, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
December 4.