Washington, D.C., November 28, 2001—Peace Corps Acting Deputy Director Lloyd Pierson announced today the observance of World AIDS Day at the Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters on December 3-5, 2001. World AIDS Day has been observed worldwide since 1988, while the Peace Corps will be observing it for the third consecutive year.

World AIDS Day brings needed attention to a devastating epidemic and affords an opportunity to recognize the efforts of Peace Corps staff and Volunteers as they train community members on HIV prevention, address issues of prevention and awareness, and help families learn to care for relatives and friends stricken with AIDS. Peace Corps World AIDS Day observances will profile existing projects undertaken by Volunteers and Staff.

Scott Evertz, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy, will be the keynote speaker on December 3, 2001. Mr. Evertz, who also is a member of the White House Domestic Policy Council, leads an expanded AIDS office that is responsible for both domestic and international HIV/AIDS issues. “We are honored to have a distinguished expert in Scott Evertz at the Peace Corps for this very important event,” Pierson said.

Additionally, there will be a panel of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers discussing their work with HIV/AIDS and two presentations facilitated by the Center for Field Assistance and Applied Research, the Office of Medical Services, and USAID.