Washington  - As most Americans were beginning to think about hanging their Christmas decorations, the White House first paused to mark another anniversary - the
20th World AIDS Day - with a giant red AIDS ribbon on the presidential residence.

The 8.5-metre-high decoration which appeared Monday on the north portico symbolized the US "resolve to confront" the dreaded scourge that has infected 33 million people worldwide, US President George W Bush said.

But his commitment to fighting the disease is more than just symbolic, and even his critics and political opponents have lauded his administration's work on the issue.

Washington  - A huge red AIDS ribbon hung Monday on the north portico of the White House Monday, symbolizing the US "resolve to confront" the dreaded scourge that has infected 33 million people worldwide, US President George W Bush said.

Bush emphasized the accomplishments of his nearly eight years in office in supporting the fight against AIDS, which even his critics acknowledge was one of the strongest overtures of his administration.

The ribbon, Bush said, affirmed "the matchless value of every life."

He claimed his emergency plan for AIDS relief, known as PEPFAR, was the "largest international health initiative dedicated to a single disease."

Oslo  - Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit was Monday awarded the country's Plussprisen prize for her efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.

The prize - announced in connection with World AIDS day - was awarded by the Norwegian group HivNorway that was formed to safeguard the rights and interests of people infected and affected by HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

The princess is a goodwill ambassador for the joint United Nations programme, UNAIDS.

The 35-year-old princess shared the prize with Ragnhild Backstrom, who has worked to prevent discrimination against HIV-positive children.

Backstrom works to spread awareness about HIV in kindergartens, schools and local neighbourhoods.

New York  - Michel Sidibe of Mali was appointed Monday director of the United Nations programme to fight AIDS, a disease that has infected an estimated 33 million people worldwide.

The appointment came as the world marked World AIDS Day.

Sidibe is currently deputy executive director of the UN programme and will replace his departing boss, Peter Piot, whose name has been linked with the global fight against HIV/AIDS for years. Sidibe has 27 years in public healthcare services and has been Piot's deputy since 2001.

"The leadership of UNAIDS is in very capable hands," Piot said about the appointment. "UNAIDS has a vital role to play in sustaining the progress made in the global response to AIDS."

Nov. 30  -- Top healthcare executives say the U.S. medical system is wasteful, inefficient and not giving people their money's worth.

"We're not getting what we pay for," said Denis Cortese, president and chief executive of the Mayo Clinic. "It's just that simple."

Cortese and other healthcare executives estimate as much as half of the $2.3 trillion spent annually on medical care does nothing to improve health, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

HARARE, Zimbabwe, Nov. 28 -- A deputy health minister in Zimbabwe says the oncoming rainy season could aggravate an outbreak of cholera in the African nation.