merrion street

Minister Brophy warns against complacency in global fight against HIV and AIDS

Minister of State for Overseas Development Aid and Diaspora, Colm Brophy, T.D. will today open the annual Father Michael Kelly Lecture, which marks World AIDS Day.

Speaking in advance of the event, Minister Brophy said:

“The work that has happened over the last 30 years in improving the lives of people living with HIV and AIDS has given us access to important tools which the world is using to combat COVID-19. It is also clear that people who are already vulnerable to HIV and AIDS are most at risk to COVID-19, and need particular attention. The pioneering work of people like Father Michael Kelly has ensured a focus on those most vulnerable groups, whose needs are magnified by the pandemic. The work of Father Michael and others is a reminder that there is no room for complacency in the fight against HIV and AIDS.”

The Minister continued:

“Fr Michael’s work also reminds us of the contribution and the global impact of the Irish diaspora worldwide.”

The annual event, organised by the Irish Global Health Network, is a tribute to Father Michael Kelly SJ who has spent over 60 years working in the education sector in Zambia. He remains an advocate for those affected by HIV and AIDS both within Zambia, regionally and on the global stage.

The event brings together international and domestically recognised HIV & AIDS experts and advocates, to examine and debate policy, practices and advances in HIV & AIDS worldwide.

ENDS
PRESS OFFICE
1 DECEMBER 2020


NOTES TO EDITOR

1. This year’s speakers at the event include; Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin, Minister of Health – Ethiopia; Saidy Brown, HIV and AIDS Activist - South Africa; and Marijke Wijnroks, Chief of Staff, Office of the Executive Director, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria – Switzerland.
2. The Irish Global Health Network (IGHN) aims to contribute to improvement in the health of individuals and populations globally by creating networks that will promote research and education and advocate for investment in global health.
3. For more facts and figures on Global HIV and AIDS - https://www.unaids.org/en
4. In October 2019 at the Global Fund Replenishment Ireland pledged to increase support to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria by at least 50% to €50 million over the 2021 – 2023 period. Further support is provided to a range of Multilateral, International and Domestic partners working globally on Global Health and HIV and AIDS.