Contact: Press Office, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), 202-712-4320; Public Information: 202-712-4810

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 /Standard Newswire/ -- December 1 marks the 20th global observance of World AIDS Day, a time during which citizens all over the world recognize the courage of the 33 million people living with and affected by the pandemic of HIV/AIDS, as well as a time to remember those whose lives have been lost. It is also a time to recognize how far the world has come in HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. In partnership with the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR/Emergency Plan), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is on the front lines of this progress and we see firsthand how America's generosity has made a difference in lives throughout the developing world.

At its core, PEPFAR has given the promise of life to millions. Now, with the presidential signing of the $48 billion Lantos-Hyde Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act, USAID continues the important and vital work of the Emergency Plan, along with other U.S. Government partners, host countries and dedicated staff in the field.

Specifically within the scope of HIV/AIDS programs, we will continue to focus on strengthening and sustaining health systems, particularly targeting the needs of an overburdened health care workforce.

We will develop additional programs that aim to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, such as encouraging delayed sexual debut, being faithful to one partner, and using condoms consistently and correctly. We will also work on programs that reduce women's risk of violence and HIV infection.

We will strengthen our response to the AIDS crisis by further integrating HIV/AIDS into other important development areas. For instance, increasing access to education, helping individuals generate income, and providing nutritional support to those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS are key interventions.

Furthermore, we will continue our work in the areas of policy analysis and legislative strengthening. These strategies foster environments that allow people living and affected by HIV/AIDS to be treated fairly, as full and active members of their communities.

On World AIDS Day, we celebrate life. In countless communities around the world, through partnerships with the American people, courageous individuals in nations devastated by HIV/AIDS are choosing life, saving the lives of their fellow countrymen and women, and creating hope for a future free of HIV/AIDS.

The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for nearly 50 years.