World AIDS Day, 2005

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Part V

The President

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Proclamation 7967--World AIDS Day, 2005

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7967 of December 1, 2005

World AIDS Day, 2005

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

On World AIDS Day, we remember those who have lost
their lives to AIDS, and we recommit ourselves to
fighting and preventing HIV/AIDS and to comforting
those infected and their loved ones.

The United States is working with its partners around
the world to turn the tide against HIV/AIDS. In May
2003, we committed $15 billion over 5 years to support
treatment, prevention, and care. This plan is designed
to support and strengthen the AIDS-fighting strategies
of many nations, including 15 affected countries in
Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Approximately 400,000
men, women, and children in sub-Saharan Africa have
received life-saving treatment supported through this
program. This is a remarkable improvement from 2 years
ago, when just 50,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa were
receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS. The plan focuses on
the ABC prevention message--Abstain, Be faithful, and
use Condoms--with abstinence being the only sure way to
prevent the sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS. We are
also working with faith-based and community
organizations and local leaders around the world to
expand testing facilities, upgrade clinics and
hospitals, and train and support medical personnel.

Here at home, more than 1 million people suffer from
HIV/AIDS. To stop the spread of this virus, we are
focusing extraordinary Federal efforts and resources to
increase routine voluntary testing, improve access to
life-extending care, and develop a vaccine. We are also
grateful for the work of faith-based and community
programs whose efforts in these areas are helping to
improve the lives of our citizens.

On World AIDS Day, we recognize the effect of HIV/AIDS
and renew our commitment to defeat this pandemic.
Americans believe that every life matters and every
person counts. The United States will continue to
spread a vision of hope as we stand with people from
around the world to face the challenges of HIV/AIDS
with courage and determination. Together, we can build
a better future for all.

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, 2005, 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
appropriate activities to remember those who have lost
their lives to this deadly disease and to comfort and
support those living with HIV/AIDS.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of December, in the year of our Lord two
thousand five, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirtieth.

(Presidential Sig.)B