Elton John Warns AIDS Fight Is Being Overshadowed by Global Crises Like Gaza War

Elton John has spoken out about the global fight against HIV and AIDS, saying it is being overlooked amid current crises like the war in Gaza. The singer and activist shared his concerns in a recent interview with Variety, emphasizing that millions of people are still being denied access to life-saving treatment.

John explained that progress toward eradicating new HIV cases by 2030 has been slowed by government inaction and stigma. “I just am enraged by it,” he said, referring to shifting priorities in the U.S. and around the world.

He highlighted that in some countries, particularly in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Russia, LGBTQ+ people face severe discrimination or even criminalization. In Russia, he noted, the Elton John AIDS Foundation was banned as a subversive organization.

Even in areas where HIV treatment is available, John said access is limited. He praised the use of drones to deliver medication, pointing to a $150 million U.S. government grant to Zipline’s program, but he warned that overall funding is decreasing. “It’s very frustrating when you have the medicine, you have prep, you have the antiretrovirals. We can stop the spread of AIDS, if people just got off their backsides and treated human beings in a Christian kind of way,” he said.

John contrasted this ongoing health crisis with current global news. “You know, there’s a big war that’s being settled, hopefully. But there’s another war, with people who are suffering from HIV and AIDS that should be able to get their medicine but can’t, because governments won’t let them. It’s inhumane,” he said.

David Furnish, John’s husband, added with a laugh that Elton’s bluntness often cuts through the technical discussion of policy and numbers. “Elton’s a little blunter than me,” Furnish said, reflecting on how his husband’s passion makes the issue impossible to ignore.

John’s comments come as advocates continue to call for increased funding, global cooperation, and stronger protections for the LGBTQ+ community. He stressed that ending AIDS is possible with the tools already available, but only if governments act and treat all people with compassion.

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