AIDSfree: James Corden backs Independent Christmas campaign to end ‘stigma and fear’ of HIV

Late Late Show host kicks off Twelve Days of Christmas series with appeal for donations

James Corden is backing our AIDSfree appeal with the Elton John AIDS Foundation to get 300,000 people tested for HIV in six key cities around the world.

The Late Late Show host kicked off our Twelve Days of Christmas series with a video appeal for donations to help fight the “stigma and fear” of HIV.

“The honest truth is that HIV treatment today means you can live a normal, fulfilling life,” Corden, 40, said.

“If HIV testing became normal and shame-free then people at risk wouldn’t feel scared to know their HIV status.”

The Twelve Days of Christmas series will feature a message from a high-profile backer or HIV campaigner each day pledging support for our campaign in the run-up to 25 December.

The AIDSfree appeal is raising money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation to boost awareness of HIV, and fund access to testing and treatment, in the UK and abroad.

Corden’s support follows backing from big names in the entertainment world including Ed Sheeran, Take That and Elizabeth Hurley.

The actor, who has previously used his talkshow to raise awareness of the issue, added: “As it is the first day of Christmas, I wanted to talk to you about the first step in stopping HIV. And that first step is testing.

“There are still so many people in this city [London] and in the world who have HIV, but don’t know it yet and are putting their lives at risk.

“People don’t get tested because HIV still carries so much stigma and fear and it is understandable. But I have learnt that you can fight stigma and fear with honesty and understanding.

“The AIDSfree campaign is raising money to get 300,000 people tested. Your donation is the first step to making this happen.”

Globally, 37 million people are living with HIV; a figure that rose by 1.8 million people last year. In the UK, 15 people are infected every day on average.

Although HIV medical care is often both effective and affordable, around one in four people living with HIV don’t know their status because they haven’t been tested.