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 Proclamations Proc. 7382 Building on this commitment, last month I signed into law the Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2000, improving the Federal Government's most comprehensive program for providing services to Americans living with HIV/AIDS. Our investment is producing results and, thanks to new treat- ments, many people with AIDS are living longer and experiencing a better quality of life than ever before. But our battle is far from over. Last year, 3 million people died from HIV/ AIDS--the highest global total reported since the pandemic began. Current estimates indicate that more than 50 million people have been infected with HIV since the virus was first identified more than 15 years ago, and some 21.8 million people have died from HIV/AIDS. The number of chil- dren orphaned as a result of HIV/AIDS is estimated to be more than 13.2 million. Because the spread of HIV has reached catastrophic proportions in many areas of our global community, AIDS has become a national and inter- national security threat. The United States is working hard to develop part- nerships with other nations and to mobilize a greatly expanded global re- sponse to address HIV/AIDS through our Leadership and Investment in Fighting an Epidemic Initiative. And this week, we will host a White House Summit of Religious Leaders to underscore the important role the world's faith communities play in preventing the spread of HIV and in car- ing for those affected by HIV. Many care and treatment programs around the world are operated by religious-based organizations, and often these groups provide the only available source of care. The summit will highlight successful efforts and raise awareness of our moral obligations in address- ing HIV and AIDS. Our goals are clear, and our resolve is firm. Working with our partners at home and abroad, we will triumph over the tragedy of HIV/AIDS and en- sure a bright, healthy future for our children. NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitu- tion and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 1, 2000, as World AIDS Day. I invite the Governors of the States and the Common- wealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the juris- diction of the United States, and the American people to join me in re- affirming our commitment to defeating HIV and AIDS. I encourage every American to participate in appropriate commemorative programs and cere- monies in workplaces, houses of worship, and other community centers, to reach out to protect and educate our people, and to provide hope and help to all who are living with HIV and AIDS. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON 211

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