World AIDS Day, 2007

Proclamation 8207 of November 29, 2007

World AIDS Day, 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/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.