"WHEREAS, the global spread of the HIV infection and AIDS necessitates a worldwide effort to increase communication, education and action to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS; and,
WHEREAS, the joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) observes December 1 of each year as WORLD AIDS DAY, a day to expand and strengthen the worldwide effort to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS; and,
WHEREAS, UNAIDS estimates that over 20 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS, with more than 5 new infections occurring every minute; and,
WHEREAS, the Federated States of Micronesia, Department of Health Services is encouraging a better understanding of the challenge of HIV/AIDS nationally as it recognizes that the number of people diagnosed with HIV and AIDS worldwide continues to increase with over 1.4 million AIDS cases reported (as of July 31, 1996); and,
WHEREAS, World AIDS Day provides an opportunity to focus on HIV infection and AIDS, caring for people with HIV infection and AIDS, and learning about HIV/AIDS; and,
WHEREAS, the UNAIDS designated 1996 World AIDS Day theme "One World. One Hope." (a) urges the world to work together to overcome the challenges caused by HIV/AIDS, (b) recognizes that everyone can do something about the pandemic through prevention, education, and compassion and (c) emphasizes the hope of finding the means, to prevent and cure HIV/AIDS;
THEREFORE, I, Jacob Nena, Acting President, do hereby declare 1 December 1996 as World AIDS Day and urge all citizens to take part in activities and observances designed to increase awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS as a global challenge, to take part in HIV/AIDS prevention activities and programs and to join the global effort to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS.
SO DECLARED, PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED THIS 12th day of November 1996, at Palikir, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia."
