Many children only learn about HIV once it is too late, says Prince Harry

The 32-year-old issued a call to eradicate the stigma surrounding the disease at a discussion group of his Africa-based charity, Sentebale.

During a visit to The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, he said that "education is power".

"To me it is totally absurd that in today's world that young people, the first time they know or the first time they hear anything about HIV and Aids, is probably by the time it is too late," he said.

"HIV needs to be treated exactly the same as any other disease, and between us hopefully we can eradicate the stigma and give these young people an opportunity to stand up."