TO mark World Aids Day Middlesbrough's Centre Square fountain has been dyed red.

The Bottle of Notes will also be lit up in red as in previous years to show Middlesbrough Council's support.

It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day.

Today, scientific advances have been made in HIV treatment and medications are now available to those at medium to high risk of contracting HIV to prevent onward transmission.

Read more: Hartlepool Corrie star joins sexual and mental health charity

There are also laws to protect people living with HIV and much more is understood about the condition.

Despite this, each year in the UK around 6,000 people are diagnosed with HIV, and too many are unaware of how to protect themselves and others, while stigma and discrimination remain a reality for many people living with the condition.

Testing for HIV has never been more important as it is key to ending HIV transmissions.

The sooner people know their status, the quicker they can get on to effective treatment which will help them live long, healthy lives with HIV and means they cannot pass the virus on.

Mark Adams, Joint Director of Public Health for South Tees said: "Despite the significant advances in the fight against harm from AIDS-related illness, there is still a lack of awareness of how people can protect themselves and others. 

"We have an opportunity to fight the stigma and discrimination that remains an issue in reducing the potential - but only if we all play our part. 

"I hope that World Aids Day will be a step on the road to changing attitudes and challenging stigma - which, combined with the advances in testing and treatment, will take us closer to our goal of zero transmissions and zero stigma by 2030." 

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054