Obama Won't Attend International AIDS Conference

The White House announced Monday that President Obama will prepare a video message for the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington but will not attend in person. "The president will not be speaking at the conference," said spokesperson Shin Inouye. "He will provide a brief video message to welcome conference attendees from around the world." The statement from the White House said, "Under the president's leadership, the administration has increased overall funding to combat HIV/AIDS to record levels. We have launched the first comprehensive National HIV/AIDS Strategy for the United States to prevent and treat HIV in America. Globally, the Obama administration has committed to treating 6 million people by the end of 2013 and is increasing the impact and sustainability of our investments." The statement added that the White House will host a July 26 reception to honor those living with HIV and to thank those who have fought against AIDS. Conference organizers had invited the president to deliver remarks. HIV/AIDS activists had publicly called for Obama to attend, and some expressed disappointment that he would not be doing so.

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