Ref. 27970-21HEALTH workers are hoping World AIDS Day next week will help raise awareness of Swindon's growing HIV problem.

Health workers will be distributing red ribbons and leaflets in the town as part of the annual awareness raising exercise on Monday.

In June, the Evening Advertiser revealed how Swindon had seen a six-fold increase in the number of HIV cases in the past five years.

Around 100 people are currently infected.

Doctors blame the increase on sex tourism, with men bringing the disease back from countries such as Thailand.

Half the new cases are in gay men, and the rest are heterosexuals of both genders.

There are practically no infections among intravenous drug users.

As part of the campaign next week, health workers will distribute leaflets and red ribbons the symbol of AIDS awareness to schools, companies, pharmacies and surgeries.

They will also be handing out ribbons in the town centre on Monday, and displays will be put up at Swindon College and the Great Western Hospital.

The theme of this year's campaign is stigma and ignorance.

Lynda Wearn, public health program manager at Swindon Primary Care Trust, said: "Misunderstandings and fears about Aids are still widespread, which creates a climate of fear and ignorance.

"It prevents people from seeking testing and support."

She warned that too many people are taking risks by not using condoms.

"A lot of younger people are using other contraceptives such as the Pill, and not barrier methods like condoms," she said. "They are lulled into a false sense of security.

"We need to get the message across that only condoms can stop the spread of AIDS.

"We also need to educate people about how the virus is spread.

"Some people still think it can be spread by touching or kissing."

As part of the day, Swindon's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans-gender coalition has organised a special service at the Pilgrim Centre in Regent Street.

The service starts at 7pm on Monday.

Tamash Lal