The Fourth Global Forum on Children Affected by HIV and AIDS, taking place in Dublin, has been addressed by the Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, T.D., who delivered the keynote address.

“All the evidence points to broad social protection and welfare approaches as a means of mitigating the impact of HIV on children. Our own history of social policy and protection, with the introduction of pensions and allowances, demonstrates the importance of these instruments in responding to household and child poverty.”

The Executive Director of UNICEF, Ann M. Veneman joined the Taoiseach at the Forum.  Speaking about UNICEF’s work with children affected by HIV and AIDS, Veneman said: 
"For too long children have been the missing face of the AIDS pandemic. This conference, generously co-hosted by the Irish Government, provides an important opportunity to discuss approaches for dealing with children impacted by HIV and AIDS.”

The forum, attended by 200 delegates from 42 countries, is co-hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs through Irish Aid, the Government’s overseas aid programme, and UNICEF.

The Forum will attempt to secure commitments for children affected by HIV and AIDS in order to attain their right to health, education and welfare. The provision of social services is important in order to reduce the possibility that children living in households affected by HIV and AIDS could be forced to drop out of school to care for sick relatives or to engage in paid work when a breadwinner falls ill.

Cash transfers and other social welfare instruments may alleviate poverty, improve school attendance and nutritional intake, the Forum heard.  Singer and HIV/AIDS Campaigner Annie Lennox will also address the Forum. 

Note for the editor:

This is the fourth meeting of the Global Partners’ Forum, established to provide momentum in fulfilling global commitments for children affected by HIV and AIDS as enshrined in the Millennium Development Goals and the 2001 United Nations Declaration of Commitment on HIV and AIDS. The forum brings together leaders in Government, civil society and the United Nations to review progress, set priorities, and make commitments for children affected by HIV and AIDS. 

Ireland has made a high-level political commitment to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. With over €100 million being spent annually on HIV and other communicable diseases, the Government is investing in programmes that are benefiting those most in need, with a particular emphasis on supporting children. Resources are delivered through a range of organisations working at global, regional, country and community levels.

UNICEF works on the ground in more than 150 developing and transitional countries to help children survive and thrive. UNICEF works to advance the Millennium Development Goals by supporting child health and nutrition, quality basic education for all boys and girls, access to clean water and sanitation, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation and AIDS.