PARIS – Sir Elton John joined French President Emmanuel Macron to call on the world to raise at least US$14 billion for the Global Fund to save 16 million lives over the next three years. The two addressed supporters of the Solidays music festival after President Macron presented Sir Elton the Légion d’honneur, France’s highest award, for his lifetime contribution to the arts and the fight against HIV.

“The fight against AIDS has been my passion for many, many years,” said Sir Elton. “We have made such incredible progress, but we cannot become complacent. A fully replenished Global Fund is essential if we are going to consign this disease to history. I commend President Macron for his leadership in this effort.”

Sir Elton was joined by President Macron, who called on the world to step up the fight to save 16 million lives through a successful Replenishment of the Global Fund. Watch the full remarks here.

President Macron presented the award to Sir Elton at a ceremony this afternoon at the Élysée Palace in Paris, in the presence of global health leaders including Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund and Lelio Marmora, Executive Director of Unitaid.

“Sir Elton John has been one of the most steadfast and outspoken supporters of the fight against HIV, and France is a world leader in rallying support, funding and research to end AIDS,” said Peter Sands, Executive Director of the Global Fund. “This award acknowledges Sir Elton’s lifetime contributions in music, as well as his work to support millions of people living with HIV and AIDS around the world.”

Under President Macron’s leadership, France will host the Global Fund’s Sixth Replenishment pledging conference in Lyon 10 October 2019. The Global Fund seeks to raise at least US$14 billion for the next three years to help save 16 million lives, cut the mortality rate from HIV, TB and malaria in half, and build stronger health systems by 2023.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation, established in 1993, was one of the early groups providing lifesaving treatment and dignified care and support for people living with HIV. Today, the foundation partners with the Global Fund to provide treatment and support to millions of people around the world.

About the Global Fund: The Global Fund is a partnership designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria as epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests nearly US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 100 countries. By challenging barriers and embracing innovative approaches, we are working together to better serve people affected by the diseases.

Information on the work of the Global Fund is available at www.theglobalfund.org

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