Elton John has addressed Britain’s Parliament at an event honoring his dedication to fighting HIV in the U.K. and beyond. The British star spoke to dozens of lawmakers and campaigners in the grand Speaker’s House of Parliament on Wednesday.
Quick Read
- Elton John Honored by British Parliament: Elton John was recognized by Britain’s Parliament for his contributions to fighting HIV/AIDS.
- Event at Speaker’s House of Parliament: John addressed lawmakers and campaigners at a special event in the grand Speaker’s House of Parliament.
- Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Impact: Since its establishment in 1992, John’s foundation has raised millions for HIV prevention and stigma reduction.
- Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle’s Praise: Hoyle praised John’s efforts, highlighting his dedication to the global fight against HIV and AIDS.
- U.K. Charity Campaigns: The foundation has led initiatives, including extending a government program for HIV testing in emergency rooms.
- HIV Testing Program Expansion: A program in London and other cities offers routine HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C testing for emergency room patients, discovering hundreds of undiagnosed HIV cases.
- National Aids Trust’s Support: Deborah Gold, CEO of National Aids Trust, emphasized the importance of routine HIV testing in reaching marginalized communities.
- Scaling Up Testing Program: Health officials confirmed the expansion of the testing program to 46 more emergency departments to identify undiagnosed HIV cases in England.
- World AIDS Day and U.K. Goals: The reception for John precedes World AIDS Day, aligning with the U.K.’s goal to achieve zero HIV transmissions by 2030.
- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Tribute: Sunak commended John’s AIDS Foundation, acknowledging its crucial role in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and saving lives.
The Associated Press has the story:
Britain’s Parliament honors Elton John for his work fighting HIV in UK and beyond
Newslooks- LONDON (AP)
Elton John has addressed Britain’s Parliament at an event honoring his dedication to fighting HIV in the U.K. and beyond. The British star spoke to dozens of lawmakers and campaigners in the grand Speaker’s House of Parliament on Wednesday.
John set up his AIDS Foundation in 1992 and has helped raise millions of dollars to prevent HIV infections and reduce stigma.
“This evening I was privileged to welcome Sir Elton John and acknowledge his exceptional contribution to the global fight against HIV and AIDS — personally and through the Elton John AIDS Foundation,” Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said on X, formerly Twitter.
“His work embodies the solidarity and kindness that defines our shared humanity,” he added.
In the U.K., the charity recently led campaigns to extend a pilot government program to test people visiting hospitals’ emergency rooms for HIV.
Under the program, which was recently introduced in London and other cities with a high prevalence of HIV cases, anyone 16 years old or older who has their blood tested in an emergency room will also get tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, unless they opt out of the testing.
John’s charity has urged the government to expand the service, which officials say has been key in discovering hundreds of undetected cases of HIV.
“Routine HIV testing in emergency departments is especially good at finding people who would otherwise not receive a test, most often from marginalized communities who are being left behind in our progress on HIV,” said Deborah Gold, chief executive of National Aids Trust.
On Wednesday health officials confirmed that the program will be scaled up to 46 more emergency departments, helping reach the estimated 4,500 people in England who could be living with undiagnosed HIV.
The Parliament reception for John came ahead of World AIDS Day, which takes place on Friday. The U.K. hopes to achieve zero HIV transmissions in England by 2030, in line with World Health Organization goals.
Earlier Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also paid tribute to John’s AIDS Foundation, saying he was pleased its work was being celebrated in Parliament.
“Sir Elton has been a powerful voice for change in the U.K. and the world,” Sunak told lawmakers. “Through the brilliant work of the AIDS Foundation he has raised awareness of the issue, reduced stigma and saved lives.”
