[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 232 (Wednesday, December 3, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 71953-71954]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-28560]




                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 232 / Wednesday, December 3, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents

[[Page 71953]]


                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

[[Page 71954]]

                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.
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                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2014-28560
Filed 12-2-14; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F5