Singer Annie Lennox and Taoiseach Brian Cowen will be among the speakers at a major international conference on children affected by HIV and Aids tomorrow.
Mr Cowen will deliver the key-note address at the event in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham and will reaffirm the country’s commitment to helping vulnerable children.
Ms Lennox is a key activist and advocate for the rights of women and young people affected by HIV and AIDS.
The forum is being hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs, through Irish Aid, and UNICEF, the United Nation’s children’s fund.
Peter Power, Overseas Development Minister, said: “Over 1,000 children are infected daily by HIV and over 15 million worldwide have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
“Ireland and UNICEF are showing leadership in the fight against HIV and AIDS.
Ireland has increased its support for interventions that benefit children affected by HIV and AIDS.
“By bringing together UN agencies, national governments, community groups and youth representatives I am confident that this Forum can help ensure that children affected by HIV and AIDS can realise their right to health, education and welfare.”
Ireland spends over 100 million euro annually on HIV and poverty diseases.
Melanie Verwoerd, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland said: “Even though there has been progress in the global fight against HIV and AIDS, last year some 370,000 children were newly diagnosed with HIV.
“The rate of HIV infection amongst children is unacceptable and needs to be addressed by the global community as a matter of urgency.”
The head of UNICEF, Ms Ann M Veneman, is in Ireland to co-host and address the forum along with UNICEF HIV/AIDS Chief, Jimmy Kolker.