Sir Elton John has called for more compassion to be shown to people living with HIV.

The singer was addressing the 19th International AIDS Conference in Washington on Monday.

Sir Elton said: “We need to put our arms around people who are HIV-positive. If you show compassion, no one will be afraid to seek treatment.”

Urging the audience to stand up against stigma, he called for compassion and understanding of all people living with HIV or AIDS, including gay and bisexual men, sex workers and drug addicts.