Mon. December 1, 2014
Washington, D.C. -
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.
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