World AIDS Day 2001: Letter from The White House

The White House
Washington

I am writing this message to you on behalf of President Bush. Since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the tragic nature of these events has rocked our nation -- pulling us from grief and anger to a national commitment to the protection of liberties that make us uniquely American.

As many in the AIDS community know, a disease that we all fight each day has also rocked the lives of so many individuals both here and abroad. Like our recent tragedy, the HIV/AIDS pandemic has challenged many to have courage and hope in spite of grief, anger, and despair.

I bring you President Bush's sincerest wishes for a special and memorable World AIDS Day 2001. This event serves to focus on the AIDS pandemic as it affects our families, our country, and other nations around the globe. We must also remember those living with AIDS and those who have died from the disease.

Worldwide, the scope of the pandemic continues to outstrip the grim projections, particularly among poorer populations and in developing countries. Nearly 56 million people have been infected with HIV since the start of the epidemic 20 years ago, and the current statistics of infection point to an even greater spread of the disease than anticipated. We have a duty to participate in global humanitarian efforts to help. The United States will contribute to a global, multilateral, public/private trust fund established to confront the worldwide challenges of HIV/AIDS. The Bush Administration has pledged $200 million to this fund for fiscal year 2002, which represents the single largest one-year commitment from any nation or organization.

In the United States, research has shown that the number of AIDS cases among some populations has decreased. Unfortunately, we have not seen similar declines in new HIV cases among our nation's youth, particularly in communities of color. Today, at least half of all new HIV infections in our country are among people under age 25.

Such statistics are alarming. However, we can take some encouragement from the results of our HIV prevention efforts in the United States. Statistics reveal a decrease in risk-taking behaviors among our youth and an increase in personal responsibility for preventing infection. Prevention efforts do work, and good communication between parents and young people is vital in helping adolescents avoid infection with HIV. At home, in schools and in our communities, clear messages about avoiding high-risk behaviors are effective in preventing HIV.

As we observe World AIDS Day 2001, we must reaffirm our commitment to work together to protect our young people, and the youth of the world, from the threat of HIV. By promoting awareness and risk avoidance, we can reach millions of youth that each day face life-changing decisions that can affect their health and the future of our nation and the world.

Sincerely,

Scott H. Evertz
Director
Office of National AIDS Policy