The White House, President George W. Bush Click to print this document

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 1, 2005

Fact Sheet: Commemorating World AIDS Day

Working With Global Partners, We Will Overcome HIV/AIDS Through Compassion, Commitment, And Decisive Action

Today's Presidential Action

On World AIDS Day, President Bush Stressed The Importance Of The Global Fight Against HIV/AIDS And Renewed America's Commitment To Turning The Tide Against The Deadly Disease. The President discussed actions being taken at home and abroad to fight HIV/AIDS; expressed solidarity with the Nation's global partners; and thanked health workers and volunteers around the world who show compassion in battling the disease on a daily basis. The President also provided updates on the Administration's efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic:

Americans Are Proud To Stand With Our Friends And Partners In Urgent Struggle. HIV/AIDS Is a global health crisis which has killed at least 20 million men, women, and children worldwide. More than 40 million people are living with this disease, including more than one million Americans. As those afflicted with AIDS reach out for help, the American people are responding by supporting national and local governments; non-governmental organizations, including faith-based and community organizations; and the private sector.

The White House Will Dim Its Lights This Evening To Commemorate World AIDS Day. Tonight, for 5 minutes at 7 pm EST, the White House will mark World AIDS Day by dimming the North Portico lights. The White House encourages States, communities, and the people of the United States to join in commemorating World AIDS Day by dimming their lights or participating in other appropriate activities.

Taking Action Against HIV/AIDS At Home And Abroad

The Administration Is Taking Action To Help The One Million Americans Living With HIV/AIDS. America sees an estimated 40,000 new infections each year, and the demographics of the disease are changing. HIV/AIDS is increasingly found among women and minorities, with nearly half of new infections occurring in the African-American community. HIV/AIDS remains a particular concern in the gay community, which has effectively fought this disease for decades through education and prevention.

President Bush Renewed The United States' Commitment To Support Our Global Partners And To The Historic Challenge Of Turning The Tide Against A Pandemic. Nations around the world are fighting for the lives of their citizens - and America is now their strongest partner in that fight.

The United States Congress And The American People Have Been Generous In The World's Efforts To Fight Global AIDS - And That Generosity Is Making A Difference. For example, in Namibia, PEPFAR funds helped a Lutheran Hospital build a new HIV-treatment center and hire 12 doctors, nurses, and other staff. As a result, this clinic has been able to put 1,475 people on treatment in less than a year. In Botswana, PEPFAR funds have allowed two clinics to launch a peer counseling program for mothers, which provides emotional support and helps prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV. And in Uganda, PEPFAR funds helped Dr. Peter Mugyenyi expand from one site serving AIDS patients to 25 sites in a single year. Today, Dr. Mugyenyi's program has 35 sites - many of them in remote rural areas - that provide therapy to 35,000 Ugandans.

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