President Barack Obama has declared
December 1 as World AIDS Day.
The annual day of observance is
recognized by government and health officials and organizations
around the globe.
An estimated 35 million people have
died from AIDS and 34 million are living with HIV, the virus that
causes AIDS.
“[W]e have made extraordinary
progress in the global fight against HIV/AIDS,” Obama said in his
proclamation. “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,” he
added, a nod to this year's theme of “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An
AIDS-free Generation.”
“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 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,” the president added.