The UN population fund, UNFPA, has appointed the former minister for foreign affairs, Mr David Andrews, as special goodwill ambassador for HIV/AIDS.
The announcement was made yesterday to mark International World AIDS Day today.
Mr Andrews, who is chairman of the Irish Red Cross Society, said he had been to Africa a number of times, and had witnessed the devastation caused by HIV and AIDS.
"In particular, I will use this ambassadorship to ensure that the global fight against HIV/AIDS is a key issue for our Government's presidency of the European Union in 2001."
The appointment was welcomed by Minister of State Mr Tom Kitt, who said Mr Andrews would be a great asset to the Government in this area, especially during the presidency.
The executive director of UNFPA, Ms Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, said: "Mr Andrews will be a most valuable advocate of population issues, especially in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention, and of the work of the UNFPA."