Presidential Documents

70351

Federal Register 

Vol. 69, No. 233

Monday, December 6, 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. 

70352 Federal Register / Vol. 69, No. 233 / Monday, December 6, 2004 / Presidential Documents 

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 IndependBilling code 3195

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ence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-ninth.

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