This year’s campaign runs from today (Monday, February 9) to Sunday, February 15 with a focus on increasing testing uptake.

This theme and hashtag for 2026 is #ITest, with the following key messages:

• People can live with HIV for a long time without any symptoms - testing is the only way to know your HIV status

• Testing for HIV is quick, easy, confidential and free for everyone in the UK

• HIV can affect anyone

• If you have HIV, early diagnosis means you can start treatment, stay healthy and avoid passing the virus on to others

• There are many ways to test: at a sexual health clinic, via your GP, through HIV and sexual health charities, or by ordering a test online

• Anyone diagnosed with HIV in the UK can access free treatment and support

Councillor Ursula Earl Redcar & Cleveland Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Welfare, and Housing, said: “Anyone can be exposed to HIV and may be unaware for many years, because the virus often shows no symptoms for some time.  

“Testing for HIV is essential so people can receive an early diagnosis, start treatment, stay well and prevent passing the virus to others.

“If a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, the virus is not passed to other people.

“We want to normalise conversations about HIV and promote testing- testing is easy, convenient, free and confidential.”

Mark Adams, Joint Director of Public Health for South Tees, said: “HIV testing is a routine and positive step in looking after our health.

“It is important to know your HIV status in order to receive treatment and support if needed.

“HIV Testing Week is an opportunity to remind people that HIV is a manageable long-term condition and that people living with HIV who are on effective treatment live long, healthy lives.

“I would encourage everyone to take up testing when it is offered, just like any other health check.”

Free HIV testing is available during HIV Testing Week and throughout the year.

Local testing options – South Tees

Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Teesside - Middlesbrough
A drop-in clinic runs every Wednesday from 9.30am to 3pm at The Live Well Centre, Albert Road. No appointment is needed. The clinic provides information, advice and referrals to other services.
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 0808 802 1221

Terrence Higgins Trust – Redcar Clinic
THT also hosts a clinic at Redcar and Cleveland Community Heart (Ridley Street, Redcar, TS10 1TD). Further information can be accessed via: Redcar and Cleveland Community Heart | Terrence Higgins Trust
The team offers friendly, confidential information around HIV, plus referrals to other services where needed.

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 01642 049057

Teesside Together Sexual Health Service
Our newly commissioned service (since August 2025), Teesside Together, offers support with testing and provides various walk-in clinics across Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland.
More information: Teesside Together - Home

Testing does not need to be done in a clinic - free home testing kits can be ordered for discreet delivery: Free HIV Kits for testing at Home | Freetesting HIV