Sir Elton John wowed politicians and fans alike when he took to the main square of Ukraine's capital, Kiev, to promote HIV-AIDS awareness on Saturday (16Jun07). The crusading pop star entertained President Viktor Yushchenko and other government leaders, as well as 200,000 other audience members, in a bid to reduce ignorance surrounding the disease.The free, open-air gig, which was broadcast live on Ukrainian TV, was the biggest ever seen in the European country, which has one of the highest HIV infection rates on the continent.Elton John, whose AIDS foundation already funds 23 HIV-AIDS projects in Ukraine, vowed to do his utmost to continue the fight against AIDS in the country. Medical experts fear the disease could infect one in 50 people in Ukraine within the next decade. The singer's foundation was set up in 1992 and has since raised $125 million to support worthy projects in 55 countries.The foundation is now one of the world's leading nonprofit organisations that supports innovative HIV/Aids prevention programs and helps provide services to those living with HIV/AIDS.

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