Should celebrities publicly disclose their HIV status?

I really struggled this week to think of what to write. I really wanted to write about gender-based violence (GBV) and its links to HIV especially after Zambian musician General Kanene beat up his wife four days after being pardoned from prison for the crime of defiling an underage girl. It made me very angry! So angry, that I am too emotional to write about this and really give it the justice it deserves. It would be a disservice and uncompassionate if I didn’t give it my best. And right now I am really not at my best.

There is a major conference taking place in Canada this week but I will leave summaries of highlights from the 8th International Aids Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention for another week.

So what is on my mind? Time and time again, when we read in the news that so and so celebrity died of long illness or meningitis or see photos of such and such looking suddenly quite ill or frail, you, just like me, might jump to conclusions about their illness and their HIV status.

When I hear rumours of leaders or celebrities living with HIV, my first thought is they should disclose this and be the face of positive living—HIV touches everyone even our leaders!

But another thought comes to my mind: everyone is entitled to privacy, right? Doesn’t matter if they are famous, renowned, popular, sometimes disclosing means your HIV status defines you— your image or identity.

If I say Magic Johnson, what is the first thing that comes to mind? But he is different, he went on speaking tours, has had a documentary, he is used an ambassador on HIV and Aids. Closer home, Mr Splash a few years ago publically announced his status. Does anyone know of other celebrities in Malawi that have?

Disclosing a positive HIV status doesn’t become your identity unless you chose it to be so, like Magic Johnson going on tours. If you are a musician, it won’t dent your sales or decrease audience numbers—in my opinion I think it makes you more human and people will be more sympathetic to you.

Celebrities and political figures—people with any kind of popularity—have the power to influence people. By disclosing your status you can influence someone to get tested, use protection, abstain or live a positive healthy and happy life.