USI, in conjunction with other groups, will be raising awareness about HIV and AIDS in colleges around the country tomorrow to mark World AIDS Day.

With the help of the Dublin AIDS Alliance, USI will be distributing 3,000 red ribbons - the symbol of support for and awareness of people with AIDS - for sale in Dublin colleges. Cian O'Callaghan, the union's welfare officer, says it will also pursue a renewed HIV/AIDS awareness campaign through the distribution of factsheets, leaflets and posters.

There were more than 10 times as many new reported cases of AIDS in the first five months of this year than in the previous six months, O'Callaghan says. "Without doubt the HIV and AIDS figures are continuing to increase as the level of awareness around HIV is going into decline. Raising awareness among young people is a key factor in stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS."