Elton John has appeared before a US Senate panel to try to persuade the US government to continue to fund the fight aganst aids.
Invited by Senators Lindsey Graham and Patrick Leahy to speak at a Wednesday hearing on 'The President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief', the 'Rocket Man' star said:
"The Aids epidemic is not over and America's continued leadership is critical...
"We cannot afford to let the window close if our efforts flag. Drug resistance will surface, transmission rates will rise and this disease which knows no boundaries will once again become a ruthless pandemic with disastrous and far-reaching consequences. This is the most powerful legislative body in the world and this Congress indeed has the power to end Aids."
He told Graham that his worst fear is "stigma" and that it's important to both fight draconian laws – with an example made of African policy – and get people to feel "unashamed" of their sexual orientation.
He later told the BBC that the fight against AIDS amounts to 1% of the US budget.
And when asked by Sen Graham about what his worst fear was going forward, the British musician replied: "The worst fear is stigma, to be honest with you."
Media caption Elton John: "We've got to keep our foot on the accelerator and keep the money coming"
An investment of $6.542 billion for 2016 has been requested, with John believing AIDS can be eradicated in his lifetime with proper support.