It is one of the biggest killers in the world. But in Britain we seem to have forgotten the deadly nature of the HIV and Aids pandemic.

After the initial hysteria prompted by terrifying Government adverts and dire predictions by the medical establishment, people's fear of the disease has dwindled.

The emphasis on safe sex has been replaced by a lackadaisical attitude which sees many young people ignoring the risks.

Sexually-transmitted diseases of every kind are on the increase because people are not taking enough care.

But those who take risks with their sexual health are not only putting themselves in danger. Their foolish behaviour also affects their partners and their partners' partners.

As the number of Aids victims continues to rise, both across the world and here in Sussex, so must our determination to keep ourselves and our partners free from the disease.