Taoiseach unveils Phoenix Park monument to those affected by HIV and Aids

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A monument to remember and celebrate the lives of all those affected by HIV and Aids has been unveiled in Phoenix Park in Dublin by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar.

The Embraced Loop monument was designed by artists Anaisa Franco and Michael R DiCarlo.

Mr Varadkar also announced that Ireland is contributing €750,000 to the global fund to fight Aids, tuberculosis and malaria.

The Taoiseach said: “The great advances in prevention, treatment and care we have seen for HIV/Aids over the last 20 years have helped to save millions of lives.

“In spite of this incredible progress, we can never forget the devastating effect that HIV and Aids has had on people, families, communities and entire nations.

“This deeply moving memorial, Embraced Loop, will be situated here permanently in the People’s Gardens to show the respect of our nation, that we share in the sorrow of those lost or suffering, and to remember and celebrate the lives of those we have lost.

“It also reminds us that we still need to act, and the struggle is not over.”

Approximately 150 guests attended the ceremony, including people directly impacted by HIV, or who dedicated much of their life and work to the treatment of HIV and Aids.

Members of the HIV And Aids Monument Oversight Committee, established in 2021 to oversee the design and commissioning of the monument, were also in attendance.