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World AIDS Day, 2008
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For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary November 26, 2008

World AIDS Day, 2008 A Proclamation by the President of the United States
of America

˙˙White House News
˙˙En Espa¤ol

˙˙˙˙˙ In Focus: HIV/AIDS

As Americans, we believe in the inherent dignity and value of every man,
woman, and child. On World AIDS Day, we recommit ourselves to the global
challenge of combating the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and to showing our compassion
for those affected here at home and around the world.

The fight against HIV/AIDS is a noble and necessary battle. As part of this
fight, in 2003 my Administration launched the President's Emergency Plan
for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Through this program, the United States has
partnered with other countries, local communities, and faith-based
organizations around the world to support HIV/AIDS treatment, care, and
prevention activities. In July 2008, we worked with the Congress to
reauthorize this important program for another 5 years.

PEPFAR is the largest international commitment in history by any nation to
combat a single disease, and so far the results are promising. PEPFAR has
supported care for millions of people around the world. We have also made
great strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS through PEPFAR's commitment to
evidence-based prevention interventions, including the ABC approach:
abstinence, be faithful, and correct and consistent condom use. PEPFAR is
spreading hope around the world by saving lives and showing the good heart
of our Nation.

To advance our domestic battle against HIV/AIDS, we must continue to
research and develop new methods of treatment and prevention. In 2006, the
Congress reauthorized the Ryan White CARE Act. This legislation also
focuses on life-saving and life-extending services, increased
accountability for funding, and supports HIV testing to prevent the further
spread of this disease.

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, 2008, as World
AIDS Day. On this day and throughout the year, the red ribbon is a symbol
that helps raise awareness of the importance of fighting against HIV/AIDS.
Again this year, the White House will display the red ribbon from the North
Portico to represent America's commitment to this struggle. 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 provide support and comfort to those
living with this disease.

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

GEORGE W. BUSH

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