by Mark Silva

President Bush, citing Scriptures and his faith in religious volunteers to help wage the world fight against AIDS, hailed the work that $15 billion of U.S. aid has supported in sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world.

"I call it a good start,'' said Bush -- who is calling for a doubling of U.S. aid for the world fight against AIDS. He delivered his appeal to Congress today from the Calvary United Methodist Church in Mt. Airy, Md.

"People here come from obviously different backgrounds and different denominations, yet they share this timeless calling to heal the sick and comfort the lonely,'' Bush said. "And their stories are incredibly inspirational and touching.

"I appreciate the fact that they live out their faith, just like hundreds of thousands of other people do who are involved with the HIV/AIDS crisis,'' he said. "And in so living out their faith, they better our world.

"World AIDS Day is both a day of sadness and a day of hope,'' he said. "We remember with sadness all those lost to AIDS. We mourn their lives cut short, their dreams of future denied. And we ask for God's blessing on the loved ones they have left behind. We also mark this day with hope -- for the improving prospects of those living with the virus, for the unprecedented number of infections being prevented, and for new progress toward eradicating this disease.

"Above all,'' he said, "we rededicate ourselves to a great purpose: We will turn the tide against HIV/AIDS -- once and for all.''

"According to the most recent estimates by the United Nations, more than 33 million people around the world live with HIV,'' the president said today. "They are mothers, they are fathers, brothers and sisters, friends and teachers. And each day, some 5,700 lose their lives.

"When Americans witness this suffering, they feel a duty to respond. Some are motivated by conscience and a conviction that America should use its great influence to be a force for good. Many others are driven by faith -- by the call to love your neighbor as yourself, even when that neighbor may live on the other side of the world. This spirit of brotherhood and generosity has long defined our country. And over the past six years, we have rallied that spirit in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

"Here at home, we've taken new measures to increase HIV/AIDS testing, expand treatment, and improve care. We've worked with healthcare providers to make voluntary HIV screening a routine part of medical care, so all Americans can know their status. And we've worked with Congress to renew the Ryan White Care Act, which helps HIV/AIDS patients receive lifesaving drugs.

"Overseas, the scope of the challenge is much longer -- much larger, and this nation is responding. In 2003, I proposed the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief -- a five-year, $15 billion initiative to expand prevention, treatment, and care in the most heavily-affected countries. Congress approved the plan with bipartisan support. I want our fellow citizens to think about what this means: Every year, American taxpayers send billions of their hard-earned dollars overseas to save the lives of people they have never met.

"In return for this extraordinary generosity, Americans expect results. So the Emergency Plan includes specific, measurable targets for progress. It demands honesty and accountability for all those involved. It puts local partners in the lead, because they know the needs of their people best. With this strategy, we have pioneered a new model for public health. And so far, the results have been striking:

"Fve years ago, only 50,000 people with AIDS in sub-Sahara Africa were receiving antiretroviral drugs. Today, thanks to the emergency plan and to the generosity of the American taxpayer, that number is nearly 1.4 million.

"Think about that, over a five-year period of time the number of people in sub-Sahara Africa has increased from 50,000 to 1.4 million thanks to the American taxpayer. Around the world, another 6.7 million people with HIV/AIDS have received compassionate care, including 2.7 million orphans and vulnerable children. Tens of millions have received prevention -- prevention messages based on the proven principles of ABC, which is Abstinence, Be faithful, and use Condoms.

"The money that you have spent is being spent wisely and saving lives. Some call this a remarkable success. I call it a good start. So we have worked with the private sector and G8 nations to increase their commitments.

"This May, I proposed to double our nation's initial pledge to $30 billion over the next five years. These American funds will help us support treatment for nearly 2.5 million people, prevent more than 12 million new infections, and support care for 12 million people, including more than 5 million orphans and vulnerable children. Now the time has come for United States Congress to act again. I'm confident they will, and I call on Congress to show America's leadership and compassion by reauthorizing the emergency plan and doubling our commitment to this urgent cause...

"The Scriptures tell us, "I have set before you life and death -- therefore, choose life." All who wage the battle against AIDS have made the choice for life.

"Because of their compassion and courage, millions who once saw the disease as a death sentence now look to the future with hope. This World AIDS Day is a day of importance, because it's a day we resolve to continue this work of healing and redemption. It's a day to strive for the day when the scourge of AIDS is a part of history.''