Elton John and co-star Brandi Carlile have collaborated to reduce the $450 million (£339 million) funding for HIV and AIDS research, as a result of Donald Trump’s administration’s recent reduction in that amount.
Sir Elton John has expressed outrage over Donald Trump’s significant cuts to the federal budget for HIV research, emphasising that care for the condition should be “prioritised and protected”. The cuts have resulted in the elimination of at least 145 grants, totalling over £339 million.
In response, Elton John and Brandi Carlile, a collaborator, have joined forces to launch the Who Believes in Angels campaign, which is aimed at addressing the urgent global humanitarian crisis brought on by recent cuts in funding for HIV/AIDS in the United States.
The duo will match donations from the public to increase the impact of this initiative, which is named after their new chart-topping album. The campaign will be led by Brandi’s Looking Out Foundation and the Elton John AIDS Foundation, whose goals are to prevent a “global health crisis.”
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The superstar singer launched the Elton John AIDS Foundation back in 1992 and it has become a leader in the global response to HIV. Since 1992, the foundationhas raised more than $600 million to support over 3,100 projects in 95 countries globally to increase access to health care, tackle LGBTQ+ stigma, and end AIDS.
In a statement Sir Elton John stated: “Without prompt action, decades of progress in the global fight against HIV could be reversed, creating a global health crisis that we have both the power and the tools to prevent.” He further highlighted the importance of their mission, saying: “Our mission is more important than ever – we refuse to leave anyone behind – and I’m so fortunate that Brandi is not only a wonderful collaborator and artist, but a dear friend who shares my vision of a world where HIV care is prioritised and protected.”, reports the Express.
To support scientists in their quest for a breakthrough in preventing HIV transmission and improving the quality of life for those affected by the condition, Elton and Brandi have set an ambitious goal of raising at least £1 million.
The UK’s Labour party has set a bold goal to eradicate all new HIV cases by 2030, and they’re planning to unveil an action plan this coming July. Demonstrating his commitment to the cause, Keir Starmer took a public HIV test, marking him as the first G20 leader to do so and raising the profile of HIV awareness significantly.
However, Donald Trump’s recent funding cuts raise significant questions about whether they will hinder global progress and possibly prevent the UK from achieving its ambitious goal of preventing new HIV transmissions.
Let’s keep the momentum going and donate now, Brandi’s foundation announced in response to the urgent need for support. “Every donation will be matched by LOF, up to $100, 000, double your impact to protect HIV prevention and care services across the U.S. and around the world.
For those inspired to contribute, donations can be made via the Looking Out Foundation’s website, detailed here for reader convenience.
Source: Mirror
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