01/12/2025
World AIDS Day - 1st December
North East and North Cumbria UNITES for World AIDS DAY
North East joins together for World AIDS Day 2025: protecting our communities, tackling stigma, and promoting early testing
The North East and North Cumbria are coming together this World AIDS Day (1 December) to support people living with HIV, remember those we’ve lost, and renew efforts to prevent new HIV infections.
Across our region, 85 people were newly diagnosed with HIV last year. Although the overall number has stayed similar, patterns are changing. More women were diagnosed (a 45% rise), while diagnoses among men fell. Almost half of people were diagnosed late, meaning they may have been living with HIV for some time without realising.
We have been making great progress; HIV treatment is extremely effective. In the North East, 97% of people living with HIV are receiving HIV treatment and the majority of these now have an undetectable viral load, which means they stay healthy and cannot pass HIV on.
What local residents should know
HIV is preventable. Testing, condoms, and PrEP (medication that prevents HIV) all play a big role.
HIV does not discriminate - Anyone can get HIV
Testing is free, quick, and confidential from s*xual health clinics, online s*xual health services and we even have home testing kits.
Stigma harms people. Kindness, understanding, and accurate information make a real difference.
Treatment works. People living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
Activities across the region
Local organisations, s*xual health services, charities and community groups across the North East are marking World AIDS Day in different ways. Activities include:
· Free rapid HIV testing and awareness events across several towns and cities
· An Evening with ‘Rupert Whitaker’ on World Aids Day at Durham University
· Community conversations, staff training and remembrance events
· Ongoing work to make testing and PrEP easier to access all year round
The North East and North Cumbria Regional HIV Steering Group is helping to connect, share and amplify these activities, shining a spotlight on local efforts and supporting consistent messages across the region.
Dr Ashley Price, consultant infectious disease, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, said, “world AIDS Day is a time to reflect, and it is a reminder that progress is possible and happening — but only if we keep pushing forward. With effective treatment, people living with HIV can thrive. Our challenge now is to end late diagnoses, tackle stigma, and ensure everyone has equal access to care. Together, we can make HIV history.”
Dr Kirsty Foster, consultant in health protection, North East Health Protection Team, UKHSA, added, “understanding how HIV affects people in the North East is essential to ensuring our services truly meet the needs of local communities. By working closely with colleagues across all organisations, we can ensure that everyone living with HIV receives the comprehensive support they need."
Rebecca Scott, public health principal, South Tees Public Health and chair of the regional Sexual Health, Reproductive Health & HIV Commissioners and Service Providers Network, said, “our message this World AIDS Day is simple: HIV has changed, but it hasn’t gone away. Treatment is incredibly effective, but we’re still seeing too many late diagnoses and a real rise in women affected. World AIDS Day reminds us to pause and reflect, but the real work happens every day of the year."
Lorraine Hughes, local director of public health and chair of the regional HIV steering group, said, “across the North East and North Cumbria, incredible organisations and communities are driving change every day. Our mission is to amplify these voices, inspire learning and growth, and make sure everyone can access HIV testing, PrEP, and truly stigma-free care because together, we can end HIV.”
A new national strategy is expected soon and will set out the next steps for England on HIV prevention, testing, PrEP and tackling inequalities. The North East and North Cumbria will use this national plan to help guide and strengthen local work in the coming years.
You can access free, confidential HIV testing at Free HIV Kits for testing at Home | Freetesting HIV and also at Find a s*xual health clinic - NHS
