Text: World AIDS Day Should Be "Time of Commitment," Powell Says

29 November 2001

Text: World AIDS Day Should Be "Time of Commitment," Powell Says

Secretary says each must be a leader in the global AIDS fight

In recognition of World AIDS Day December 1, Secretary of State Colin Powell called on Americans to do their part in the fight against the pandemic of HIV/AIDS.

"Let World AIDS Day be a time of commitment for each and every one of us," Powell said in a State Department release November 29. "Each of us must be a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. And I expect and hope each and every one of you will do your part."

The secretary cited the rising infection rates in Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean and said that in sub-Saharan Africa alone, 6000 people die of AIDS every day. To fight the pandemic requires an integrated approach that emphasizes prevention, treatment of the sick, and compassionate care, he said.

As for the U.S. response, Powell said that President Bush has pledged $200 million for a fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria and that "more will follow." Through a combination of bilateral assistance programs and support for UNAIDS and for international research, the United States will contribute an additional $500 million to the battle against AIDS, he said.

In addition, President Bush has appointed Secretary Powell and Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson to lead a special task force to coordinate domestic and international efforts to address the AIDS crisis.

"If humankind is to realize the great potential that the 21st century holds for prosperity and peace, the global response to this crisis must be no less comprehensive, no less relentless and no less swift than the AIDS pandemic itself," Powell said.

Following is the State Department text:

(begin text)

U.S. Department of State
Office of the Secretary
Washington, DC

Secretary Colin L. Powell remarks on World AIDS Day

November 29, 2001

The theme of this year's World AIDS Day is "I care. Do you?" The answer of President Bush and the American people is a resounding "Yes." We care and we are taking action, here at home and within the international community.

At the Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly in June, the United States joined with countries of every continent, culture and creed. We declared our collective resolve to stem the worldwide AIDS pandemic.

I am proud that my country is playing a leading role in creating a new global fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. President Bush has pledged $200 million in seed money for the fund. More will follow. And next year, through a combination of bilateral assistance programs and our support for UNAIDS and for international research, the United States will contribute an additional $500 million to the battle against AIDS.

Putting the full force of his Cabinet behind the US response to the AIDS crisis, President Bush has named our Secretary of Health and Human Services, Tommy Thompson, and myself to lead a special task force to coordinate our domestic and international efforts. And we look forward to working closely with our counterparts throughout the world.

If humankind is to realize the great potential that the 21st century holds for prosperity and peace, the global response to this crisis must be no less comprehensive, no less relentless and no less swift than the AIDS pandemic itself.

In sub-Saharan Africa alone, 6000 men, women, and children die of AIDS every single day. Africa now has more than 13 million orphans, mostly due to AIDS. And infection rates are rising in Asia, Eastern Europe and the Caribbean.

Last May, my wife Alma and I traveled to Mali, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa. We were deeply moved to witness firsthand the courage of people living with HIV and AIDS. We turned through pages of memory books, memory books created by HIV-positive mothers. These books were to be keepsakes for the children they feared they would not see grow up.

In many countries, an entire generation can be lost and the next generation orphaned. That would be an unimaginable human tragedy and an international catastrophe. AIDS not only destroys lives, it decimates countries and it destabilizes regions. The international community must not let that happen.

To stem the tide of AIDS, we must adopt an integrated approach, an approach that emphasizes prevention, treatment of the sick, and compassionate care. America has pioneered new approaches in these three areas and we are working with other nations to provide the spectrum of help that people need.

Let World AIDS Day be a time of commitment for each and every one of us, a commitment to confront the reality of AIDS within our societies, a commitment to save lives by breaking the silence, a commitment to reach out with compassion and stop the stigmatization of those living with the virus, a commitment to take action at all levels -- community, national and international. Each of us must be a leader in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. And I expect and hope each and every one of you will do your part.

(end text)