World AIDS Day, 2004

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7850 of December 1, 2004

World AIDS Day, 2004

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

HIV/AIDS is the greatest health crisis of our time. Its
defeat requires the cooperation of the entire global
community. On World AIDS Day, people around the world
unite to demonstrate our commitment to fighting HIV/
AIDS and to offer prayers and support for those living
with HIV/AIDS and for their families and caregivers.

America and many nations have great opportunities to
improve health, expand prosperity, and extend freedom
in our time. My Administration has made turning the
tide against HIV/AIDS a priority. In my 2003 State of
the Union Address, I was proud to announce the
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. This plan commits $15
billion over 5 years to fight the HIV/AIDS pandemic in
over 100 countries throughout the world, focusing on 15
of the hardest-hit countries in Africa, the Caribbean,
and Asia. These funds are already at work and will help
prevent 7 million new infections, treat 2 million
infected individuals, and care for 10 million
individuals, including orphans and vulnerable children
infected or affected by this disease.

This year, we also recognize the challenges HIV/AIDS
poses to women. Through the Emergency Plan, the United
States supports drug therapy and counseling to prevent
mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. In addition,
we are working to prevent girls from becoming infected
through sexual coercion or exploitation and to increase
support and services to help reduce the burden on women
who are called upon to care for a sick loved one.

In order to defeat this pandemic, we also must discover
new treatments and cures. America joined with other
countries at the G-8 Summit in June to announce the
Global HIV Vaccine Enterprise, a major commitment from
the world's leading scientists to find ways to combat
this devastating disease. My Administration also
supports efforts to encourage testing because in the
United States alone, one-quarter of those infected with
HIV each year do not know that they are infected. And,
because abstinence is the only sure way to avoid
sexually transmitted diseases, my Administration has
more than tripled funding for abstinence-only programs
since taking office.

Our country and other nations around the world are
working to bring new hope to those suffering with HIV/
AIDS and contribute to a healthier future for people
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, 2004, 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
remembering those who have lost their lives to this
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 four, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

(Presidential Sig.)B