David Furnish says we have all the tools to end HIV/AIDS transmission ‘today’ but stigma still stands in the way (EXCLUSIVE)
The filmmaker, producer, businessman and advocate opens up about ending HIV/AIDS transmission by 2030, to mark him receiving the Legacy Award, supported by M&S, at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar
By Aaron Sugg
David Furnish, chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), has told Attitude “we have all the tools” to end HIV/AIDS transmission today, but stigma makes the goal “challenging”.
Having taken on the role in 2010 after husband Elton John stepped down as chair to become founder, he has been leading the Foundation’s fight to end new HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030.
Through his extraordinary work as a filmmaker, producer, businessman and advocate, he has been awarded the Legacy Award, supported by M&S, at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar.
“We have all the tools that we need to end HIV/AIDS today” – David Furnish on tackling transmission
Speaking to Attitude to mark his Legacy Award win, he said, “The science right now is all in our favour,” adding, “We have all the tools that we need to end HIV/AIDS today.”
Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric, he argued, does damage well beyond its target. “When you stigmatise LGBT people, you stigmatise HIV/AIDS. The two are inextricably linked.”
In 2021, the EJAF backed the UK Government’s 2030 target of ending HIV transmission, stating: “Today, we welcome the Government’s HIV action plan to reach the 2030 goal of zero new HIV transmissions in the UK – a goal that is entirely within reach.”
“I don’t ever want to say never” – Furnish on ending HIV/AIDS transmission
Since its founding in 1992, the Foundation says it has raised more than $660 million (£499 million). Though it has made incredible progress, challenges still remain.
“I don’t ever want to say never,” said Furnish about reaching the 2030 target. What he said will help, though, is proving small, affordable models work, then persuading governments and bigger funders to scale them up.
Furnish follows in the footsteps of his husband, Elton, who took home the Legacy Award, supported by Virgin Atlantic, at the 13th Attitude Awards in 2024.
In his acceptance speech, the singer spoke about handing over responsibilities to Furnish. “Thank you, David, I love you so, so, so very much. We’ve come a long way. And we’re very lucky to live in a country that gives us the rights we have,” said Elton.
The full interview appears in the Attitude Awards 2026 issue, available on digital platforms and in print. Print copy available for pre-order here.