Elton John and Prince Harry team up in the fight against HIV
Prince Harry and Sir Elton John have teamed up to fight against HIV infections in men.
The two have been long-time friends. Elton was a close friend to Princess Diana, Harry’s mother, and just two months ago, performed at the Duke and Duchess’ wedding reception in Windsor.
There is no doubt that part of Prince Harry's motivation is to pay tribute to his mother through this noble coalition. Both Elton and Harry had so much love for Princess Diana, and now they get to to share their passion for the same cause.
On Tuesday, they attended the 2018 international AIDS conference and launched their MenStar Coalition.
“New, energetic and innovative solutions are needed more than ever before – and that is exactly what you are about to see from @eltonofficial and the Men Star Coalition partners.” – The Duke of Sussex #AIDS2018 pic.twitter.com/kNrBbivxCk
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 24, 2018
The two founders donated a total of $1.2 billion towards the foundation dedicated to expanding the diagnoses and treatment of HIV infections in men. What sound lads!
According to Johnson & Johnson, the coalition is a combination of many charities, including Elton John’s own AIDS foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, and Johnson & Johnson.
Their objective is ‘to [break] the cycle of HIV transmission and ultimately ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.’
'Inspired by the growing alarm at the rate of new HIV infections among young women, the MenStar coalition is bravely tackling the root cause of this problem — the lack of awareness of HIV prevention amongst hard-to-reach young men.' – The Duke of Sussex #AIDS2018 pic.twitter.com/gULicuKIKi
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) July 24, 2018
Prince Harry spoke passionately at the conference: “We succeed when we put people at the heart of our strategies. [..]
“This campaign is bravely tackling the root cause of this problem – the lack of awareness of HIV prevention among hard to reach young men.”
The partners have joined forces in order to have a greater impact on fighting against HIV. With one strategy and global placements, they believe they can be more effective in accomplishing their shared goal.
“It is time there was a global coalition to teach men to protect themselves, and in doing so it will teach them to better protect not only their wives and girlfriends, their sisters and daughters, but also critically their brothers and sons,” Elton announced.
The global organisation aims to initiate a self-testing campaign for young men everywhere, to increase access to HIV tests and treatments.
It is lovely to see that Prince Harry remains so close to his mother's friend, and Princess Diana would be proud of their ambition to make the world a safer and healthier place.
