PROCLAMATION 7382—NOV. 30, 2000 114 STAT. 3435 thanks to new treatments, 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 HTV/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 children orphaned as a result of HTV/AIDS is estimated to be more than 13.2 million. Because the spread of HTV has reached catastrophic proportions in many areas of om" global community, AIDS has become a national and international security threat. The United States is working hard to develop partnerships with other nations and to mobilize a greatly expanded global response 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 HTV and in caring for those affected by HTV. Many care and treatment programs aroimd the world are operated by religiousbased 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 addressing HTV 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 HTV/AIDS and ensiire 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 Constitution 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 Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and the American people to join me in reaffirming our commitment to defeating HIV and AIDS. I encourage every American to participate in appropriate commemorative programs and ceremonies in workplaces, houses of worship, and other community centers, to reach out to protect and educate oui people, and to provide hope and help to all who are living with HTV and AIDS. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirtieth day of November, in the year of OULT Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth. WILLIAM J. CLINTON
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