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Sir Elton John isn’t done collaborating with Brandi Carlile yet as the pair join forces to offset cuts to HIV and AIDS funding by US President Donald Trump.
The singing duo are aiming to raise $1,000,000 to combat the global crisis and ‘ensure compassionate care’ reaches those who are most in need.
On March 28, the Trump administration cut at least 145 grants which had been awarded $450,000,000 in federal funds for researching the illness.
These grants provided support for scientists attempting to eradicate HIV transmission and improve quality of life for those living with it.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation and Looking Out Foundation, founded by Brandi, have announced a new initiative to raise money to offset these cuts.
The ‘Who Believes in Angels’ campaign — named after their number one album — will match every donation made to ‘double’ the impact.
‘Without prompt action, decades of progress in the global fight against HIV could be reversed, creating a global health crisis that we have both the power and the tools to prevent,’ said Sir Elton.
He continued: ‘Our mission is more important than ever – we refuse to leave anyone behind – and I’m so fortunate that Brandi is not only a wonderful collaborator and artist, but a dear friend who shares my vision of a world where HIV care is prioritised and protected.’
Sir Elton created the foundation in 1992 but the Rocket Response Fund was launched this year after the ‘U.S. Administration’s recent actions on foreign aid funding.’
It is an emergency fundraising appeal to help sustain the lifesaving work of global initiatives that are on the ground, tackling the ongoing HIV crisis.
In February, Sir Keir Starmer became the first G20 leader to publicly take an HIV test in efforts to eradicate lingering stigma against those with the virus.
At last year’s election, Labour committed to a target of ending new HIV cases by 2030, with an action plan due to be launched around July this year.
However, with the US researchers now scrambling to find funding, this target could be missed without an influx of funding.
Brandi added: ‘Elton’s activism and work with the Elton John AIDS Foundation was what led me to Elton before I even heard a note of his music.
‘It’s an incredible honour to launch this partnership and raise funds for the life-saving work of the Elton John AIDS Foundation and the Rocket Response Fund at a time when support is needed the most.’
Donations to the campaign can be made here via the Looking Out Foundation.
Looking Out Foundation will match every donation made, up to $100,000, writing on Instagram: ‘Following the release of Who Believes In Angels?, we’re proud to continue our special partnership to Make Music Mean More.
‘@lookingoutfoundation is raising vital funds to support the mission of @ejaf to drive progress in the global HIV response and ensure compassionate care reaches those who need it most — because right now, this work has never been more urgent.
‘And there’s more: every donation will be matched by LOF, up to $100,000, doubling your impact to protect HIV prevention and care services across the U.S. and around the world.
‘Let’s keep the music – and the momentum – going.’
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