Elton John thanks ‘amazing medical staff, mentors’ and young South Africans. ‘Til next time SA!’
British pop icon Sir Elton John says he and partner David Furnish, were “thrilled” to meet so many young people in South Africa last week who are taking part in Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) programmes. The music legend was in SA to visit the Foundation’s and The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief […]
British pop icon Sir Elton John says he and partner David Furnish, were “thrilled” to meet so many young people in South Africa last week who are taking part in Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) programmes.
The music legend was in SA to visit the Foundation’s and The US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) HIV prevention and care projects. Elton and David accompanied US Senator Lindsey Graham and his Congressional Delegation on their visit to South Africa.
“What a week it’s been,” Elton said on social media, “visiting (the projects) in Johannesburg with Congress leaders to celebrate what the past 20 years of funding has achieved – saving lives and creating brighter futures for millions of people.”
Elton added:
“David Furnish and I were thrilled to meet so many young people taking part in EJAF programmes. Through innovative tech we are helping young people talk about sex, love and relationships and supporting their mental and sexual health. The future is theirs for the taking! We must keep our foot on the accelerator to continue this remarkable progress in partnership with PEPFAR.”
During his trip, Elton was also treated to an amazing performance by the Ndlovu Youth Choir that brought a tear to his eyes!. The singer songwriter ended his message, saying:
“My thanks go to all of the amazing medical staff, youth mentors, educators and of course those wonderful young people we met along the way. Til next time South Africa!”
The US Embassy said the delegation was focused on the impact of US Government investments in PEPFAR and to engage the SA government on issues of mutual importance, with the aim of strengthening the bilateral relationship.
The Embassy said: “During the visit, the delegation learnt about PEPFAR-funded innovations that have enabled the public health clinics to achieve considerable success in HIV case identification, timely antiretroviral therapy initiation, retention, and return to care.
“They also had an opportunity to engage with young people who are beneficiaries of The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funded programs such as Adolescent and Youth friendly services and DREAMS.”