Irish Jesuit Expert on HIV/AIDS Honoured by Government

A reception, hosted by Minister of State, Conor Lenihan TD, will take place in Iveagh House to launch the HIV and AIDS Technical Advisory Group and to formally recognise the contribution of Fr. Michael Kelly SJ in the area of HIV and AIDS.

Fr Kelly is an Irish Jesuit priest and recently retired Professor of Education from the University of Lusaka. He was instrumental in the initial work of Irish Aid in Zambia in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention. He is also a world renowned expert in addressing HIV/AIDS through the education sector.

 In recognition of the lifelong contribution of Professor Kelly in responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic it is proposed that the Minister of State will announce, for the period 2006-2008:

1.    The establishment of the Fr. Michael Kelly Lecture on HIV and AIDS to coincide with World AIDS Day.  

It is proposed that the inaugural lecture will be delivered by Fr Michael Kelly on Friday 1st December 2006(TBC).  In subsequent years speakers who have made an outstanding contribution to the area will be invited to deliver the lecture. The lecture will be held annually for three years.

2.    The awarding of the Fr. Michael Kelly Bursary to facilitate students from Zambia to undertake post-graduate studies in the area of HIV and AIDS and Education.  

The scholarship will include provision for the dissemination of the research findings in Zambia and beyond including at the Annual International.