Bush proclaims Dec. 1 World AIDS Day

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- U.S. President George Bush Friday proclaimed Dec. 1 World AIDS Day and urged all Americans to join in the fight against the disease.

"HIV/AIDS is a global health crisis and a constant struggle for many of our families, friends, and neighbors," the president said. "On World AIDS Day, we underscore our commitment to fight the AIDS pandemic with compassion and decisive action."

Bush said he had asked the Congress to reform and reauthorize the Ryan White CARE Act and provide funding to improve distribution of HIV/AIDS medicines in the United States.

"America leads the world in the fight against HIV/AIDS and through the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief we are combating the disease in countries around the world," he said.

"In addition, the United States and other concerned countries are promoting a comprehensive strategy to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS."