Charlie Sheen confirms he's HIV+ - blames HIV stigma for past secrecy (video)

The poor guy. How terrible that in today's society people can feel so stigmatised by HIV that they would rather pay a bribe than tell people of their status.

HIV stigma is one of the biggest causes of the spread of HIV. People don't get medical attention, don't get the drugs, aren't open about it. Their viral load stays detectable making the virus easier to pass on.

I note Sheen has an undetectable HIV viral load, and doesn't have AIDS as reported by some news outlets. 

“The stigma that is attached to this diagnosis is one of the worst parts about it. People don’t take action, they don’t get help because of that stigma. Do you still feel that stigma?” Lauer asked. 

“Not anymore I don’t,” Sheen said. “I have a responsibility now to better myself and to help a lot of other people. And hopefully with what we’re doing today, others may come forward and say ‘Thanks, Charlie. Thanks for kicking the door open.'” ninemsn