LONDON — Too many people are still contracting HIV and dying of AIDS-related illnesses due to stigma and a lack of access to information and testing, Elton John said on Monday.

Modern medicine means those with HIV can live long, fulfilling lives without infecting others, the singer said in a letter published by Britain's Independent newspaper.

"Everyone should understand the risks of HIV, and everyone who needs it should have the chance of dignified help and support," John wrote in the letter, co-signed by The Independent's owner Evgeny Lebedev. "That can only happen if we know our status."

John's letter coincided with a Christmas appeal to fund projects run by his charity, the Elton John Foundation, in Atlanta, Delhi, Kiev, London, Maputo and Nairobi. — Reuters