Nov 08, 2019 at 11:03 am

Prince Harry Teams Up With Rugby Star Gareth Thomas to Raise Awareness for National HIV Testing Week

Prince Harry is hoping to break down the stigma of getting tested.

The 35-year-old royal teamed up with rugby player Gareth Thomas, who recently disclosed his HIV+ status, at a Terrence Higgins Trust event ahead of National HIV Testing Week at Twickenham Stoop on Friday (November 8) in London, United Kingdom.

Harry previously sent his support to Gareth for disclosing his status and educating the public.

During his visit, Harry met with Gareth and rugby players from Harlequins men’s and women’s teams, as well as inclusive club Kings Cross Steelers.

Terrence Higgins Trust is the largest voluntary sector provider of HIV and sexual health services in the United Kingdom. National HIV Testing Week begins on November 16.

“This morning, The Duke of Sussex joined forces with @gareththomasofficial and The Terrence Higgins Trust to raise awareness for National HIV Testing Week, which takes place from November 16th-22nd. The Duke has been a longtime advocate of HIV awareness, and of eradicating the stigma surrounding the virus – an extension of his mother’s legacy. Not enough people know that thanks to the work of so many over the years, HIV is no longer a death sentence and testing for it is quick and easy,” the Sussex Royal Instagram account declared.

“Today the Duke shared the magnitude of having someone like Gareth Thomas, one of our most legendary Welsh rugby players, demonstrate that you can be HIV positive and live a healthy, strong, fulfilling life. Gareth is an excellent role model for anyone living in fear, and an amazing example of both physical and mental strength. An estimated 1 in 14 people in the UK live with HIV and are still undiagnosed. Please get tested and take control of your life and your health – even if you don’t feel you’re at risk, getting tested will help smash the stigma and normalise it for others.”

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