Drogba was named a UN goodwill ambassador on Wednesday

Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba has pledged to promote the fight against HIV/Aids in his role as a United Nations goodwill ambassador.

On Wednesday, the Ivorian captain and Chelsea star was named a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme.

The 28-year-old will receive symbolic earnings of one dollar per year for his work in the UNDP's anti-poverty campaign.

"I have been given opportunities to succeed in life, but I constantly think about the ones who did not have this chance," Drogba said.

"We all need to contribute to help defeat poverty."

The West African will focus in particular on the fight against HIV/Aids in Africa and the need to change male attitudes on the continent.

"As a man and a role model for many young boys in Africa, I will do my best to promote the right messages to other men and boys to stop the pandemic," he said.

Drogba is the latest high-profile footballer to join the UNDP, following in the footsteps of Brazil's Ronaldo and Frenchman Zinedine Zidane.