President Obama recognizes World AIDS Day

Dec. 1 (UPI)-- President Barack Obama issued a Presidential Proclamation in recognition of today's World AIDS Day.

"We remember the friends and loved ones we have lost, stand with the estimated 35 million people living with HIV/AIDS, and renew our commitment to preventing the spread of this virus at home and abroad. If we channel our energy and compassion into science-based results, an AIDS-free generation is within our reach," Obama said in the proclamation.

The president heralded U.S. contributions in the global fight against the epidemic, and referred to the bi-partisan effort of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Obama noted that through PEPFAR's contributions, HIV treatment and prevention goals set by the Obama Administration on World AIDS Day in 2011 are being met.

Also commenting on World AIDS Day, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon expressed optimism that "Much of the world is accelerating progress in responding to HIV."

On Tuesday, Washington, DC will host the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Replenishment Conference.

World AIDS Day, held annually on December 1, was established in 1988 to unite people around the world "in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died."

[The White House] [United Nations]