USA: President George W Bush marks Worlds Aids Day

Bush delivers speech on HIV/AIDS prevention ahead of Worlds Aids Day. White House is draped with AIDS ribbon. President George W. Bush attended and addressed a faith based roundtable discussion at a Maryland church on Friday where he discussed AIDS prevention. Bush called Saturday's (December 1) World's AIDS Day "a day of sadness and a day of hope." "We remember with sadness all those lost to AIDS. We mourn their lives cut short, their dreams of future denied. And we ask for God's blessing on the loved ones they have left behind," said Bush. "We also mark this day with hope -- for the improving prospects of those living with the virus, for the unprecedented number of infections being prevented, and for new progress toward eradicating this disease. Above all, we rededicate ourselves to a great purpose: We will turn the tide against HIV/AIDS -- once and for all." Bush touted improved success in fighting AIDS and providing services in Sub-Saharan Africa. "Five years ago, only 50,000 people with AIDS in sub-Sahara Africa were receiving anti-retroviral drugs. Today, thanks to the emergency plan and to the generosity of the American taxpayer, that number is nearly 1.4 million. Think about that, over a five-year period of time the number of people in sub-Sahara Africa has increased from 50,000 to 1.4 million thanks to the American taxpayer. Around the world, another 6.7 million people with HIV/AIDS have received compassionate care, including 2.7 million orphans and vulnerable children. Tens of millions have received prevention -- prevention messages based on the proven principles of ABC, which is Abstinence, Be faithful, and use Condoms. The money that you have spent [sic] is being spent wisely and saving lives. Some call this a remarkable success. I call it a good start." On Friday morning (November 30), a large red ribbon was hung at the White House's North Portico to commemorate World AIDS Day.

ITN Source | December 1, 2007

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