Elton asks PM for help reaching 2010 target

By Georgina Roberts • September 25, 2007 - 13:00

Elton John is the Chairman of the Elton John Aids Foundation

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Elton John has publicly called for Prime Minister Gordon Brown's help to meet the G8's target for universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS by 2010.

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, whose target was tripled at the last G8 in June, was set up in 2002 to finance operations to help combat the diseases around the world.

Speaking in his role as Chairman of the Elton John Aids Foundation, Elton explained that the fund was only half way to meeting its target and urgently needed the prime minister's assistance in leading the world by example.

"I believe Gordon Brown's leadership and vision on this issue is urgently needed, right now.

After all, he played a central role in bringing world leaders to commit to universal access, and he helped found the Global Fund, which has proven itself by saving an estimated 1.8 million lives.

If the UK were to provide £700m over three years, tripling its annual contribution by 2010, it would challenge the rest of the world to follow suit."

Germany will host the Global Fund conference, which starts tomorrow and aims to address the 2010 target.

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