Prince Harry takes a HIV test live on Facebook to bring awareness to the disease and testing.
A sample of blood was taken from Prince Harry’s finger at the Guys and St Thomas Hospital. An HIV “instant test” was completed right in front of him and results were found within one minute.
Kensington Palace tweeted a picture and video of Prince Harry taking the test. They also mention how the whole process, taking the test and receiving the results, took only four minutes. Prince Harry tested negative for HIV. He marveled at how fast the test was and there really isn’t a reason to get tested.
“It’s better that everyone goes and gets tested. Why wouldn’t you? Whether you’re a man, woman, gay, straight, black, white, whatever, even ginger, why wouldn’t you come and have a test?”
Ian Green, chief executive of the Terrence Higgins, an AIDS/HIV charity, says the moment was groundbreaking in the fight against HIV. “Not only does it show His Royal Highness’s genuine and personal commitment to tackling the HIV epidemic, it will amplify a message to millions all over the world: testing for HIV is easy, quick and nothing to be feared.”
About 36.7 million people were living with HIV worldwide at the end of 2015, according to the World Health Organization. More than 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States and 1 in 8 people do not know that they are infected. About 1 in 4 people who are newly infected are between the ages of 13-24. 44% do not know that they are infected. Not only do they not get the treatment they need but they are infecting others.
Even though Prince Harry’s test came out negative, he made a point to say that even if you are diagnosed, you can live a normal healthy life. This isn’t the 80’s. Health and Science has made leaps and bounds in researching HIV. If you are diagnosed, you just need to take a pill everyday.
If tracked properly and taking the correct medication, you can live a normal life. You can have a healthy sex life and live a long life. The most important thing is diagnoses. Knowledge is power.
To find a HIV testing sites and care centers, you can find one using: http://www.aids.gov/locator/
