Sir Elton John: My greatest wish is to see the end of AIDS in my lifetime
Sir Elton John has said that it’s possible HIV/AIDS will be eradicated in his lifetime.
The singer, 68, wrote an op-ed for Billboard this week about the work of the Elton John Foundation, which has worked for decades to tackle the issue globally.
Writing in Billboard, the veteran musician wrote: “I look back over the past three decades, and I vividly recall the pain, the suffering and the loss. It is unimaginable. It is unforgettable.
“But I also feel more hope and confidence and excitement than ever before, because we all have the power to make a difference — each and every one of us.
“We’ve seen it time and again. All that’s required is for enough people to stand up, join hands and fight for what they believe in.
“If we continue to harness passion and commitment — the energy of individuals, working tirelessly, doing whatever they can to make a difference — then I believe with all my heart that in my lifetime I will have seen the very first day, and also the very last day, of the AIDS epidemic. ”
However, he said: “We have so much work left to do. There are too many people who lack access to critical treatment and prevention programs.
“There is still a dangerous lack of compassion for those living with HIV and those at risk of contracting it. As a result, there is a lack of social services and sexual health education, especially in minority, rural and gay communities.
“But despite all these challenges, I truly believe that we have the power to achieve an AIDS-free generation, because I’ve seen with my own eyes the incredible progress we’ve made during the past three decades.
“I never thought we’d get this far, this close to ending the epidemic. And my greatest hope is to live to see the day when we win the fight once and for all.”
