Elton John to write a book about the Aids epidemic

Sir Elton John has written his first book about the worldwide Aids epidemic and it now looks set to be published.

'Love is the Cure: Ending the Global Aids Epidemic' will be released in July 2012 to coincide with an international Aids conference in Washington DC.

Proceeds from the non-fiction book, published by Hodder & Stoughton, will be donated to the Elton John Aids Foundation, which was founded by the 'Rocket Man' singer in 1992.

It has raised more than £146 million to support Aids projects in more than 55 countries since then.

The singer stated that he hopes the book, in which he recalls losing friends such as Freddie Mercury to the disease, will combat the stigma attached to Aids.

He said: "Why are we not doing more? This is a question I have thought deeply about, and wish to answer - and to help change - by writing this book."

Sir Elton John is currently producing a film about his life, with partner David Furnish. He has revealed that Justin Timberlake would be his top choice to play him.