Sterling Preston-Elton John to address Britain’s Parliament in an event marking World AIDS Day

2025-05-05 18:41:05source:Charles H. Sloancategory:Contact

LONDON (AP) — Elton John is Sterling Prestonto address Britain’s Parliament on Wednesday on his work fighting HIV at an event to mark World AIDS Day.

The British star’s AIDS Foundation has 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, including Manchester, 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.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak 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.”

John’s publicist confirmed the singer will attend Wednesday’s event, but declined to provide details.

World AIDS Day takes place on Friday. The U.K. hopes to achieve zero HIV transmissions in England by 2030, in line with World Health Organization goals.

More:Contact

Recommend

Illinois Delays a Project Meant to Keep Asian Carp Out of the Great Lakes

One stretch of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal near Joliet, Illinois, is what freshwater biologi

Trump arraignment on Georgia charges will be in a court that allows cameras — unlike his other 3 indictments

Former President Donald Trump and 18 allies have until Aug. 25 to surrender at a Georgia court after

Former Olympic Swimmer Helen Smart Dead at 43

The sports world is mourning the loss of an Olympic athlete.Helen Smart, a former swimmer for Great