At a glance: Ireland

Ireland launches Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS Campaign

Taoiseach (Prime Minister of Ireland) Bertie Ahern meets Dulce Massunda, a young AIDS campaigner from Mozambique, as UNICEF launches the Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS Campaign in Dublin.

DUBLIN, Ireland, 24 October 2005 – At the UN last month, the Irish Government announced a new initiative on HIV/AIDS and other global diseases, which will see the Irish Government's funding towards combating these diseases double to €100 million per annum in 2006.  Yesterday at the launch of the Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS campaign in Ireland, the Irish Government pledged up to 20% of this increased funding for HIV/AIDS to be allocated to interventions that will benefit children.

Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Bertie Ahern made the announcement at the Ireland launch of Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS, the new UNICEF global campaign.

UNICEF Ireland Ambassadors Stephen Rea and Samantha Mumba were at the ceremony. Pierce Brosnan and Liam Neeson sent a special video message of support.

Irish President Mary McAleese meets Dulce Massunda at the Campaign launch in Dublin. Dulce presented President McAleese with a framed photo of a painting on HIV/AIDS done by children for Maputo's Day Hospital in Mozambique.

David Cooney, Irish Ambassador to the United Nations, said that the global level of commitment to children in the context of the AIDS crisis has been somewhat less than might be hoped, and that children have to some extent been forgotten. “I think the government wants to set a lead in prioritizing children in the fight against AIDS," he said.

The global launch of Unite for Children. Unite against AIDS takes place on 25 October 2005. Go to the campaign website for more information on worldwide events.