In 1992, the "Elton John AIDS Foundation" (EJAF) was established and began raising awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS after the musician lost several close friends, including Ryan White, who contracted the virus in 1984, a time when there was a lot of fear and stigma surrounding the disease. Many people were left to suffer without access to resources, care, or support. Since its inception, the company has funded over 700 programs in more than 50 countries, providing treatment to millions of people, and continues to work to combat discrimination and promote education and awareness. In 2016, the #ENDAIDS campaign launched as a global initiative to eradicate HIV by 2030. In June 2023, Elton announced the Rocket Fund, which promises to support innovative programs and groundbreaking research.