For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 1, 2003
World AIDS Day, 2003 by the President of the United States of America a Proclamation
The HIV/AIDS pandemic presents one of the greatest medical and
social challenges of our time. On World AIDS Day, members of the
global community come together to demonstrate our shared commitment to
turning the tide against the spread of HIV/AIDS, bringing hope and
healing to those who are suffering, and finding a cure.
Over the last two decades, AIDS has claimed the lives of more than
20 million people. Three million have died in the last year alone.
Today, more than 40 million people are living with HIV, including
nearly 30 million in Africa. Behind these staggering numbers are the
names and faces of orphaned and suffering children, devastated
communities, and a continent in crisis.
In my State of the Union Message to the Congress in January of this
year, I announced an "Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief," with a goal of
helping millions around the world affected by HIV/AIDS, particularly
those in the most afflicted nations in Africa and the Caribbean. In
May, the Congress responded by passing the "United States Leadership
Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Act of 2003," which I
signed into law. A life-saving initiative, the Act commits $15 billion
over the next 5 years to prevent 7 million new HIV infections, treat at
least 2 million people with life-extending drugs, provide care for at
least 10 million people affected by AIDS, continue bilateral programs
in over 75 countries, and increase support for the Global Fund to Fight
AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This work of mercy will help overcome
fear, stigma, and discrimination and create a cycle of hope and promise
that will benefit millions.
Here at home, we will spend more than $15 billion this year to
combat AIDS in America. This money will support research activities,
care and treatment services, and prevention programs, including the
wide availability of rapid HIV testing.
Fighting HIV/AIDS is not only a great challenge but also a moral
imperative for those who believe in the value and dignity of every
human life. This World AIDS Day, the United States remains committed
to taking action, showing compassion, and bringing hope to those
affected by HIV/AIDS 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, 2003, 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 reaffirming our commitment to combating HIV/AIDS. I
encourage all Americans to participate in appropriate commemorative
programs and ceremonies in houses of worship, workplaces, and other
community centers to remember those who have lost their lives to this
deadly 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 three, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-eighth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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