World AIDS Day, 2014

Proclamation 9216 of December 3, 2014

World AIDS Day, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In communities across our Nation and around the world,
we have made extraordinary progress in the global fight
against HIV/AIDS. Just over three decades ago, when we
knew only the devastation HIV inflicted, those living
with it had to fight just to be treated with dignity
and compassion, and since the first cases of AIDS were
reported, tens of millions of vibrant men and women
have lost their lives to this deadly virus. Today, we
have transformed what it means to live with HIV/AIDS.
More effective prevention, treatment, and care now save
millions of lives while awareness has soared and
research has surged. This World AIDS Day, we come
together to honor all those who have been touched by
HIV/AIDS and celebrate the promising public health and
scientific advances that have brought us closer to our
goal of an AIDS-free generation.

Since I took office, more people who are infected with
HIV have learned of their status, allowing them to
access the essential care that can improve their
health, extend their lives, and prevent transmission of
the virus to others. My Administration has made strides
to limit new infections and reduce HIV-related
disparities and health inequalities, and we have nearly
eliminated the waiting list for the AIDS Drug
Assistance Program. For many, with testing and access
to the right treatment, a disease that was once a death
sentence now offers a good chance for a healthy and
productive life.

Despite these gains, too many with HIV/AIDS, especially
young Americans, still do not know they are infected;
too many communities, including gay and bisexual men,
African Americans, and Hispanics remain
disproportionately impacted; and too many individuals
continue to bear the burden of discrimination and
stigma. There is more work to do, and my Administration
remains steadfast in our commitment to defeating this
disease. Guided by our National HIV/AIDS Strategy, we
are working to build a society where every person has
access to life-extending care, regardless of who they
are or whom they love. The Affordable Care Act
prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage due
to a pre-existing condition, such as HIV/AIDS, and
requires that most health plans cover HIV screenings
without copays for everyone ages 15 to 65 and others at
increased risk. We have expanded opportunities for
groundbreaking research, and we continue to invest in
innovation to develop a vaccine and find a cure. And
this summer, my Administration held a series of
listening sessions across the country to better
understand the successes and challenges of those
fighting HIV at the local and State level.

In the face of a disease that extends far beyond our
borders, the United States remains committed to leading
the world in the fight against HIV/AIDS and ensuring no
one is left behind. Hundreds of thousands of adolescent
girls and young women are infected with HIV every year,
and we are working to reach and assist them and every
community in need. As part of the President's Emergency
Plan for AIDS Relief, over 7 million people with HIV
around the globe are receiving antiretroviral
treatment, a four-fold increase since the start of my
Administration. In countries throughout

the world, our initiatives are improving the lives of
women and girls, accelerating life-saving treatment for
children, and supporting healthy, robust communities.

As a Nation, we have made an unwavering commitment to
bend the curve of the HIV epidemic, and the progress we
have seen is the result of countless people who have
shared their stories, lent their strength, and led the
fight to spare others the anguish of this disease.
Today, we remember all those who lost their battle with
HIV/AIDS, and we recognize those who agitated and
organized in their memory. On this day, let us
rededicate ourselves to continuing our work until we
reach the day we know is possible--when no child has to
know the pain of HIV/AIDS and no life is limited by
this virus.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States do hereby proclaim December 1, 2014, 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 AIDS and to provide support and comfort
to those living with this disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-eighth day of November, in the year of our Lord
two thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.