HIV Testing via Facebook Live for Prince Harry News and Result: Royalty Hopes to Raise Awareness on Disease
The Prince of Wales tested negative for HIV, encourages everyone to get tested.
Broadcasted live on Facebook, Prince Harry of Wales went on an HIV test on Thursday, July 14 at Guys and St. Thomas Hospital.
Prince Harry, Anxious on Being Tested
On Thursday, Prince Harry had himself tested for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) which was broadcasted on Facebook. "Even though I'm not from this part of London, or being the person that I am and the people that I ended up being around, I'm sitting here and I'm still nervous," he stated. This was done to help "destigmatize the disease and the testing process."
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Prince Harry was asked to wash his hands and was pricked on his left middle finger for a small amount of blood sample that was analyzed. If a person tested came out positive, the result will indicate two blue dots while if tested negative, only a single dot will appear. The result came out in just a minute.
The Prince tested negative for HIV and was amazed on how quick the result was. The testing process only took four minutes. After the test, the Prince of Wales encouraged everyone to test themselves for HIV. He also called on those who think that they are not exposed to the virus in a stand to not degrade the testing process.
"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?" he asked during the live broadcast.
People with HIV Can Steal Live A Normal Life
Even if Prince Harry's result came out with one dot, he pointed out the people infected with HIV can still live a normal life.
The doctor who administered the test quickly told the Prince that he is right, and he can also enjoy all aspects of life like having a good and healthy sex life, enjoy work and retirement. He also stated that "People are living long and healthy lives."
Chief executive of Terrence Higgins Trust, Ian Green, said that the royalty only proved that he is committed in the battle against 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," he added. Terrence Higgins Trust is an AIDS and HIV charity. Green also said that deciding to broadcast the event was a great way to showcase the fight against HIV.
Prince Harry will attend the International AIDS Conference in South Africa together with Elton John and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho.
