Rihanna to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan: 9 celebs who've championed for an HIV/AIDS-free world

Rihanna is fairly new to the world of HIV activism, but she is going strong. The singer publicly tested for HIV along with Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry. She also walked the red carpet for a documentary, It’s Not Over, which is about three young people affected by the pandemic.

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She may have miles to go but with her global reach, but she can make a huge impact in spreading awareness about the virus among the younger audience.

When she is not shocking the world with her antics, Miley gets down to what really matters. She has supported the Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Party this year. Back in 2015, she gave an emotional speech at the amfAR Inspiration Gala and even offered to get naked for AIDS charity. 

Alicia Keys’ organisation Keep A Child Alive has been working in Africa, promoting prevention and treatment of the ailment there. The singer went on to join the Empowered project, a campaign that creates awareness about the virus among women living in the US.

Another celeb, who championed the cause early on is none other than Sir Elton John. In 1992, after his friend died from AIDS, after being infected through a blood transfusion, the singer started the Elton John AIDS  Foundation, which has raised millions over the years in different countries.

This U2 frontman and rock legend founded the (RED) Foundation in 2006 with Bobby Shriver. The aim was to support the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa, where an estimated two-thirds of the world’s HIV-positive population lives. Bono used his talent and global appeal to raise funds (over $300 million) through the years, which were then spent on different HIV/AIDS programs in Africa.

A legend in the world of cinema, Elizabeth Taylor became a global icon of activism back in 1984. Then, in 1985, she joined a group of doctors and scientists to form the American Foundation for AIDS Research, now commonly known as amfAR. The Hollywood idol is not only remembered for her films but also for effecting change.

In his lifetime, Freddie Mercury may not have been a vocal advocate for the cause of HIV/AIDS, but his death changed that as it shattered the silence and got people to talk about it. This, at a time when countries like the US would not allow HIV-positive people to immigrate. And it was not just about starting a debate, almost five months after his demise, a benefit tribute concert held in London’s Wembley Stadium saw more than 72,000 people in attendance, raising millions for AIDS research. And 27 years since his death, he continues to impact the lives of many as fans used his death anniversary on November 24, to speak about AIDS and to spread awareness about it so that more people become aware of the virus.

At a time when people inflicted by HIV/AIDS were shunned by the society, the pop diva chose to lend her support to its patients. Madge’s dance teacher tested HIV-positive, and chose to go public with the diagnosis. The Material Girl hitmaker lent her support by appearing with him at a Dance-a-Thon, a charity dance marathon to support AIDS Project LA (APLA). This led to speculation about her suffering from it, but the rumours did not deter her from advocating the cause.