Prince Harry live streams HIV test on Facebook

To raise HIV/AIDS awareness, Prince Harry of Wales live streamed his own HIV test to more than 1 million viewers on the royal family’s Facebook page.

The video — which was accompanied by instructions for British viewers interested in receiving their own HIV test — received praise from health advocates in the United Kingdom, who called his support “invaluable” to efforts combating HIV stigma.

“Prince Harry’s decision to take an HIV test, live on social media, is a groundbreaking moment in the fight against HIV,” Ian Green, CEO of Terrence Higgins Trust, said in a statement. “Not only does it show his royal highness’ 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.”

While administering the diagnostic, Robert Palmer, MSc, discussed the testing process with the prince, and stressed the ease of receiving a result. Although Prince Harry said he was nervous before the finger prick, his test returned negative.

“HIV rates in the U.K. continue to rise despite years of progress in treating the illness, and one of the biggest factors has been that up to 17% of HIV-positive patients are unaware of their status and unintentionally pass on the virus to partners,” the royal family wrote in a Facebook post accompanying the video. “Prince Harry believes until everyone feels relaxed about taking HIV tests — whether from high risk groups or not — then tackling the stigma and fear surrounding HIV testing will continue to allow the virus to win.”

Prince Harry will also be attending the upcoming International AIDS Conference in Durban, South Africa, to continue campaigning for increased HIV/AIDS awareness, according to the Facebook page.