There are 250,000 Ukrainians living with HIV, and more than 600,000 at risk from it. I said I would do everything to help and renew that pledge today
On a perfect spring evening in 2007, I sat on a stage in the centre of Kyiv, in Ukraine, looking out at a 300,000-strong crowd. It was one of those magical nights that performers live for: when music brings people of every age, background and belief together in a moment of shared humanity and joy.
At the time, amid increased prosperity and personal freedom, Ukraine’s Aids crisis was a growing storm. I was playing a free concert partly to underscore what I had learned in so many other countries – that awareness and compassion are essential in fighting this disease. I shouted from the stage, Zupinimo Snid razom! (Let’s end Aids together).
Elton John is an entertainer, humanitarian and singer/songwriter. He is the founder of the Elton John Aids Foundation
