World AIDS Day 2007

President and Mrs. Bush Reaffirm Our Nation's Unprecedented Commitment toFighting HIV/AIDS at Home and Abroad

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, President and Mrs.Bush will mark World AIDS Day 2007 by participating in a faith-basedroundtable discussion at Calvary United Methodist Church in Mount Airy,Maryland. Since 2001, the Administration has delivered more than $129 billionto fight HIV/AIDS both at home and abroad. This World AIDS Day, the U.S.Government is highlighting the important role of faith- and community-basedorganizations in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. The President and Mrs.Bush will discuss the global response to HIV/AIDS with U.S. Global AIDSCoordinator Mark Dybul, members of local churches involved with volunteerefforts in AIDS-afflicted countries, and faith-based organizations partneringwith the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Starting today,the White House will display the red ribbon for two days on the North Porticoto represent the continued battle against HIV/AIDS and to affirm the matchlessvalue of every life.

Today, the President will meet Martha Chilufya who established the MututaMemorial Center in Zambia. This center partners with Emergency Plan andfaith-based caregivers to serve more than 150 patients. Mrs. Bush and JennaBush visited the center in June to listen to a choir of orphans who receivecare at the center.

-- Last summer, volunteers from Calvary United Methodist Church traveledto Namibia to serve at a home for AIDS orphans. The President will also meetwith a man from McLean Bible Church who is part of a team that is leaving forZambia tomorrow.

America Continues To Lead The World In Fighting HIV/AIDS

The United States is on track to exceed the President's commitment of $15billion over five years for PEPFAR to support treatment for two millionpeople, prevention of seven million new infections, and care for 10 millionpeople. PEPFAR is the largest international health initiative ever dedicatedto a single disease.

-- As of September 30, 2007, PEPFAR was supporting life-saving

antiretroviral treatment for approximately 1.36 million people living

with HIV/AIDS in the 15 focus countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia,

and the Caribbean. This life-saving treatment provides healing and

hope to those affected by HIV/AIDS.

-- On May 30, 2007, the President announced his proposal to double

America's initial $15 billion commitment to fight global HIV/AIDS

through PEPFAR. The American people will have committed $48.3 billion

over 10 years to fight HIV/AIDS if Congress continues to support the

President's plan, including his proposal to provide $30 billion over