World TB Day 2010 is also my first day as a Goodwill Ambassador against Tuberculosis for the Stop TB Partnership. With this I would like to make the following pledge:

I am committing myself to breaking down barriers and inspiring people to think and act in new ways about tuberculosis. I believe in the power of music to unite people in understanding and awareness. I hope that people who feel inspired by my music will also feel moved by what I have to say about tuberculosis and the steps we need to take to get it under control.

In my new role, I am humbled and honoured to lend my voice to speak on behalf of the millions of people who become ill with tuberculosis each year. All of them are individuals, some who I have already met, each with their own story of suffering, courage and hope.

Nearly two million people are currently dying from tuberculosis each year. But statistics are just numbers without tears - let's move forward to stop the crying.