Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 232 / Wednesday, December 3, 2014 / Presidential Documents 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 fourfold increase since the start of my Administration. In countries throughout 


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71954 Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 232 / Wednesday, December 3, 2014 / Presidential Documents 

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. 

[FR Doc. 2014–28560 

Filed 12–2–14; 11:15 am] 

Billing code 3295–F5 


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