World AIDS Day, 2003

Proclamation 7740 of 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.

(Presidential Sig.)B