Prince Harry joins Sir Elton John to launch an AIDS initiative in Amsterdam

The 33 year old Duke of Sussex said he was "honored" to share the stage with Sir Elton. International Conference on AIDS in Amsterdam to launch the MenStar Coalition

The initiative aims to target and prevent HIV infections in men.

Harry attended the event as a co-founder of Sentebale, an Africa-based charity. helps young people living with HIV

"I am honored to share the stage with someone who has always put people at the center of his work," said Prince Harry.

"For over a quarter century, he works tirelessly to fund research services and communities around the world. "

"Today, he came to Amsterdam to announce his latest effort: a $ 1 billion global partnership to break the HIV transition cycle for men – especially in sub-Saharan Africa" he continued.

The initiative was sparked by "the increase in the rate of new HIV infections among young women," said the Duke of Sussex, adding that the root of the problem was "lack of awareness of HIV prevention among hard-to-reach young men."

Sir Elton also addresses the issue of men not being tested for HIV – and says that the MenStar Coalition aims to teach men how to protect themselves.

He warns that men aged 24 to 35 "Young people are the only age group where HIV infections increase, not fall," said pop star and seasoned AIDS activist

. do a lot, a lot more to get men, especially younger men into the fold. "

The coalition brings together different partners – including UNITAID from the UN and the US PEPFAR fund.

The new initiative focuses on "the difficult but vital work of changing the state of affairs" 39, spirit, "adds Prince Harry

Sentebale:" More and more leaders, they should use the younger generation and the experiences you have – I'm 33 years old and I already feel disconnected. "

" We must put power in the hands of young people

"Because that is where the solutions come from, it is from there that also come the passion and the l & # 39; commitment."

The King followed in the footsteps of his mother Diana, Princess of Wales in the fight against AIDS in recent years – raising public awareness of HIV / AIDS and encouraging people to get tested

Sir Elton was recently produced at the wedding of Harry and Meghan.