Ireland to sponsor Aids conference delegates

Ireland is to sponsor 50 people from developing countries to attend an international conference on Aids in Canada, it was confirmed…

Ireland is to sponsor 50 people from developing countries to attend an international conference on Aids in Canada, it was confirmed today.

Minister of State Conor Lenihan said Ireland would be playing a key role at the XVI International Aids Conference taking place this week in Toronto.

"Fighting HIV/Aids is a key priority of the Irish Government's overseas development programme, Irish Aid. Currently €100 million per annum is provided to fight HIV and Aids. These funds are directed at countries badly affected by the disease and focus on those most vulnerable.

At this conference, Ireland will showcase its work in this area with the Clinton Foundation in Mozambique," Mr Lenihan said ahead of the conference which takes place every two-years.

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"As well as sending a high-level delegation from Irish Aid, I am proud to be able to provide funding to sponsor over 50 people from developing countries, in particular those living with HIV, to attend the conference. The involvement of these participants is critical to the success of this conference."

Former President Mary Robinson, who is the head of the Global Ethical Initiative, will be a guest speaker at the conference in a session on the importance of education in the fight against HIV/Aids.

Up to 20,000 people are expected to attend from around the world including leading scientists, clinicians, health care workers, politicians, community based providers and people living with HIV.

Ireland is to be represented by officials from Irish Aid, as well as representatives from domestic and international development non-governmental organisations.

This year's conference will mark almost 25 years since the first reports of HIV were made. Since 2003, Ireland, alongside the Clinton Foundation, has provided almost €30 million to Mozambique. Over 16 per cent of the population is infected with HIV, which makes Mozambique one of the worst affected countries in the world.