Malaria Awareness Day, 2008

Proclamation 8246 of April 25, 2008

Malaria Awareness Day, 2008

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On Malaria Awareness Day, our Nation recognizes all who
suffer from this devastating disease, and we remember
the lives lost to an illness that is entirely
preventable and treatable. Today, we renew our
commitment to lead the world toward the urgent goal and
noble mission of turning the tide against malaria in
Africa and around the world.

My Administration and our partners are working together
to save lives in Africa through the President's Malaria
Initiative. On a recent trip to Africa, First Lady
Laura Bush and I personally saw this Initiative working
and making incredible progress against malaria. By
distributing insecticide-treated bed nets, expanding
indoor insecticide spraying, providing cutting-edge
drugs to those in need, and empowering African leaders
to determine the best strategy for their country, we
have brought an extraordinary achievement within reach:
together, we can eradicate a disease that has claimed
the lives of children for centuries. Millions of lives
are being saved because of the kindness and generosity
of the American people, and we will continue to work to
ensure that our aggressive and comprehensive strategy
achieves its goal.

America is a compassionate country that feeds the
hungry and protects the vulnerable because we believe
every human life has inherent dignity and matchless
value. As the people of Africa continue their struggle
against malaria, we offer our support and steadfast
commitment. We call on all nations to join us in a
great humanitarian effort.

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 April 25, 2008, as Malaria
Awareness Day. I encourage Americans to answer the
universal call to love a neighbor and join in our goal
of eliminating malaria on the African continent and
elsewhere.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fifth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-second.