• To pay tribute to Father Michael Kelly’s ongoing legacy, the IGHN has produced a compilation of lectures and presentations entitled: From Zambia to Ireland: 15 Years of Insights on HIV and AIDS from 2006-2020. DOWNLOAD SPECIAL EVENT PUBLICATION.

The Irish Aid Annual Father Michael Kelly Lecture is held annually to coincide with World AIDS Day as a reminder of the outstanding work and rich legacy of Fr Kelly’s life and work. The dedication of this annual event in his name is an indication of our regard for his contribution to the global response to HIV and AIDS.

The death of Professor Fr. Michael Kelly at the age of 91, in January of this year was a watershed moment for those devoted to combatting the HIV and AIDS pandemic in Zambia, Ireland and beyond. Father Michael witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of HIV and AIDS and made a tremendous contribution to tackling HIV in Africa.

For over 50 years, Tullamore-born Professor Father Michael J. Kelly worked tirelessly in the fight against HIV/AIDS in his naturalised country of Zambia, and internationally, spreading the message of strength, dignity, and hope for those affected and at risk.

Through his work with Irish Aid and several multilateral organisations in his adopted home of Zambia, Father Michael was regarded as a true visionary and an inspirational figure to health workers, aid workers, humanitarians, and diplomats from across the globe.