Prince Harry, Rihanna take HIV tests on World AIDS Day
Britain's Prince Harry and pop artist Rihanna had their fingers pricked to test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as part of World Aids Day activities in Barbados last week.
The event, which took place on Dec. 1, was organized by the Barbados National HIV/AIDS Commission and was held at a clinic in Bridgetown, Barbados' capital. Both tested negative.
The British Royal Palace tweeted a footage of the event, highlighting how easy it was to take the test.
The day prior, the two met at a concert celebrating the Caribbean country's 50<sup>th year of independence, where the prince reportedly invited the "Umbrella" singer to take the test with him. The objective of the activity was to encourage more people to get tested by showcasing how easy the process is.
Rihanna, 28, a Barbadian who now resides in New York, took to Instagram to persuade others to take the test as well. "Couldn't believe how easy this was to get tested and find out my status on the spot! So easy you can order your own kit and do it at home!" she posted.
It was Prince Harry's second time this year to publicly undergo an HIV test. Last July, the 32-year-old royal tested live on Facebook at the Guys and St. Thomas' Hospital in London.
Prince Harry has been actively campaigning for HIV/AIDs awareness over the past decade. He co-founded a charity called Sentebale with Prince Seeiso of the Lesotho Royal Family following his gap year in the landlocked African country. The organization raises funds and brings awareness to the plight of orphans and children affected by HIV and AIDs.
According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), there are about 36.7 million people worldwide who are afflicted with HIV. Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that 1.2 million of them are in the United Sates.
