Billionaire Bill Gates has said that the cure to the AIDS pandemic lies in giving women the power to protect themselves against infection.
Speaking at the International AIDS Conference in Toronto, Mr Gates said his charitable foundation is working on developing creams and drugs that women can use before sex to prevent themselves from HIV infection.
However, his wife Melinda said it is still important that everyone has access to existing weapons against infection.
The Government is sponsoring over 50 people from developing countries, in particular those living with HIV, to attend the conference.
Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs Conor Lenihan said fighting HIV/AIDS is a key priority of the Government's overseas development programme, Irish Aid.
He added: 'Currently €100 million per annum is provided to fight HIV and AIDS. These funds are directed at countries badly affected by the disease and focus on those most vulnerable.
'At this conference, Ireland will showcase its work in this area with the Clinton Foundation in Mozambique.'
The conference will review global experience and set an agenda for future action.
Up to 20,000 participants are expected to attend from around the world including leading scientists, clinicians and health care workers.
Ireland will be represented by officials from Irish Aid, as well as representatives from the domestic and international development non-governmental organisations.
Mary Robinson, President of the Global Ethical Initiative, will be a guest speaker in a session on the importance of education in fight against HIV/AIDS.
