In an interview below he speaks out about the lack of education and shortage of funds to treat and research the disease and how we seem to be falling behind. More celebrities are now participating in healthcare/biotech conferences and solutions, as we had Dennis Quaid this year at HIMMS speaking.
On the video he discusses a bit about his past with alcohol and drug abuse as well as his foundation. He said he was too self absorbed and should have been out there on the front lines a long time ago and is emphasizing giving back to society. He literally says he is ashamed of himself. There’s not hedge fund investments or gambling with the foundation money he says. There are over 1800 companies represented at this year’s Bio Convention. His foundation has been around since 1992 and is small compared to other philanthropy groups.
He says you have to get in there and participate “get your hands dirty” or support doesn’t work, he checks out his grants situations himself to make sure they are having success. His foundation also goes beyond just AIDS/HIV work too, but points out that our infection rates here are higher in the US. Good interview. BD
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2009 - Sir Elton John delivered today's keynote address at the 2009 BIO International Convention at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. He focused on the HIV/AIDS epidemic, how biotechnology has influenced prevention and treatment of the disease and an outlook of the challenges and solutions that lie ahead.
“Despite our many advances, and despite your laudable work, HIV/AIDS is still winning. It continues to devastate populations in the developing world. But the epidemic is also worse than we thought in this very city, and in this very country.
To support Sir Elton’s efforts, the Biotechnology Industry Organization has pledged a generous donation of $150,000 to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Please make a donation to help match it! http://IAmBiotech.org/EJAF
In addition to Sir Elton John's keynote address, presentations and educational sessions at the 2009 BIO International Convention will focus on research and development, partnership opportunities, and new business models required to meet global health challenges.
In addition, this year's BIO Exhibition covers approximately 176,000 net sq. ft. and host more than 1,800 exhibitors.
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,200 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world's largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world.
PharmaLive: Sir Elton John Delivers Keynote Today at 2009 BIO International Convention
0 comments :
Post a Comment