World AIDS Day: Famous faces from music and beyond who have used their platforms to battle against pandemic

For World AIDS Day 2022, People World takes a look at some of the famous faces - past and present - who have used their platforms to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS.

Musicians, actors and other celebrities based across the globe have set up charities, foundations and other organisations to tackle the issue of AIDS infections globally.

While some have become involved due to personal losses, others have entered the fight in attempts to stop the condition spreading so ferociously in certain countries.

World AIDS Day has taken place every year on December 1 since 1988 as a day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus infection, while AIDS is an acronym for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Both form a spectrum of conditions that heavily affect the immune system.

People World takes a look at the celebrities making a difference against AIDS.

Elton John

After losing friends Freddie Mercury and Rock Hudson to AIDS, the issue has always been one close to Elton John’s heart.

The Rocketman singer, 75, has previously spoken about how he feels ‘lucky to be alive’ after years of addiction to alcohol and drugs, and other behaviour that put his life at risk of contracting HIV.

In 1992, he started his own foundation to tackle AIDS - The Elton John AIDS Foundation - and he has also written a book - Love is the Cure - on the issue.

His non-profit organisation has provided support in combating the AIDS crisis by raising more than $350 million since it began.

Freddie Mercury

As one of the biggest musicians in the world, Freddie Mercury rarely talked about his health or sexuality. But in 1991, he released a statement confirming he had AIDS.

That came just 24 hours before the adored singer died, aged just 45.

Not only did his statement to the world help shine a light on the AIDS crisis, it also led to a concert being held the following year to raise vital funds for the cause.

The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in April 1992 took place at Wembley Stadium in front of 72,000 people.

George Michael, Liza Minnelli, David Bowie, Annie Lennox and Axl Rose were all present to pay respects to Mercury.

Charlie Sheen

In November 2015, Charlie Sheen told the world he was HIV positive.

His decision to publicly speak about his condition helped bring AIDS back into the public’s attention.

The same day he spoke publicly, there was a reported 265 percent increase in news reports mentioning HIV and more than a million searches for the condition too. Other searches for condoms, testing, and symptoms also spiked.

Magic Johnson

Arguably one of the most famous faces living with the condition, Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson shook the world in 1991 when he revealed he had contracted HIV.

It was one of the first times a heterosexual celebrity had come forward with their diagnosis, breaking stereotypes around the disease

The former NBA basketball player was even shunned by other players who said they didn’t want to play against him - highlighting the stigmas around the condition.

The Magic Johnson Foundation was founded by the sporting legend in 1991 and works to develop programs and community support to address the health and social needs the pandemic has presented.

Today, Magic Johnson lives a healthy lifestyle and has managed to avoid HIV drastically impacting his life.

Miley Cyrus

In 2014, Miley Cyrus founded the Happy Hippie Foundation - a nonprofit organisation that raises money for the homeless, young LGBT people,and those living with HIV.

The foundation has created programs for transgender women living with HIV and often uses the #HappyHippies hashtag on Twitter to show support.