Sir Elton John told British MPs that the winner of the next general election “can help end Aids around the world by 2030”.
Ahead of World AIDS Day tomorrow (1 December), Elton John addressed the UK Parliament at an event to celebrate his dedication to the fight against HIV in the UK and abroad.
The British star spoke to dozens of MPs and campaigners at the Chancellor’s Office on Wednesday (November 29).
Sir Elton founded the AIDS Foundation in 1992 and has helped raise millions of dollars to prevent HIV infection and reduce stigma.
Sir Elton said: “Automated tests will be able to reach people faster, reducing HIV infections, illnesses and deaths, and health economists estimate it will save the NHS £50 million.” Ta.
He added: “Whoever wins the next general election will end AIDS worldwide by 2030.”
“In the UK, the number of new HIV diagnoses has fallen by 46% since the peak in 2015. We can be the first country in the world to defeat this terrible virus. We can play our part and meet the UN targets. , to show other countries how that can be achieved.”
Earlier in the day, Chancellor Rishi Sunak also paid tribute to John’s AIDS Foundation, saying he was delighted its work would be celebrated in Parliament.
“Sir Elton has been a powerful voice for change in Britain and the world,” Mr Sunak told MPs. “Through the great work of the AIDS Foundation, he has raised his awareness of this issue, reduced his stigma and saved lives.”
In the UK, the charity recently led a campaign to expand a pilot government program that tests people visiting hospital emergency rooms for HIV.
The program, recently introduced in London and other cities with high rates of HIV infection, means that people aged 16 and older who receive a blood test in the emergency room will also be tested for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C as an exception. It turns out. They opt out of the test.
John’s charity has called on the government to expand the service, which officials say has been key to uncovering hundreds of undetected HIV cases.
Deborah Gold, chief executive of the National Aids Trust, said: ‘Routine HIV testing in emergency departments is particularly good at identifying people who would otherwise not be tested. , from marginalized communities who have been left behind by advances in the fight against HIV.”
On Wednesday, health authorities confirmed the program would be expanded to a further 46 emergency departments and help support an estimated 4,500 people in England who may have undiagnosed HIV infection.
The UK wants to achieve zero HIV infections in the UK by 2030, in line with the World Health Organization’s goals.
