LONDON – Zimbabwean comedian Boss Kedha, real name Rolland Lunga, famed for his skits with Bhutisi on P.O. Box TV is encouraging people to order a free HIV test in England.
He is collaborating with HIV charity Terrence Higgins Trust to support National HIV Testing Week, an annual campaign to encourage people to get tested.
The video, shared to Facebook and Instagram, has racked up hundreds of likes and many supportive comments.
New polling data ahead of the campaign has revealed only 20% of adults in England say they have ever tested for HIV.
One in five women (21%) said they had not tested because they had never been offered a test, while nearly three in ten men (29%) said that they had not tested because, although they had had condomless sex, they did not think their partners could have HIV.
Terrence Higgins Trust says people thinking that HIV cannot affect them or their partners is a major barrier to people getting an HIV test and can lead to a much later diagnosis, when the virus has already had a chance to impact a person’s immune system.
There are an estimated 4,700 people living with undiagnosed HIV in the England, with 34% estimated to be people of Black African ethnicity.
During National HIV Testing Week, which runs until 15 February, anyone in England can order a free and confidential HIV test from freetesting.hiv to do at home. The free self-tests available can give a result in just 15 minutes.
Boss Kedha said: “I was surprised to learn that Black African communities in England, including Zimbabweans, are disproportionately affected by HIV. That’s why I’m using my platform to raise awareness.
“HIV testing is free, quick, and easy, and treatment is available to everyone, regardless of immigration status. Let’s all get tested and do our part.”
Takudzwa Mukiwa, Head of HIV prevention at Terrence Higgins Trust said: “With support from people like Boss Kedha, we can get the message out and encourage more people to test.
“Testing is now easier than ever and you can do the test at a time that is convenient to you.”
