The Red Ribbon Express-III (RRE-III) was flagged off in Secundrabad initiating the AIDS awareness programme in Andhra Pradesh. The train which was flagged off by Chief Secretary Pankaj Dwivedi is scheduled to tour eight districts and educate the rural masses about prevention of HIV/AIDS in the state.

Nearly 11,000 people visited the Red Ribbon express which arrived at Secunderabad station on Monday. The ten-coach train is moving with a motto of “Embarking on the journey of life.” The main objective of this RRE-III is to create awareness among the masses in the rural parts of the country. The campaign is being initiated by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

Earlier, Ratna Kishore, principal secretary, Health, Medical & Family welfare held a meeting with Additional Joint collectors of all halting districts, Symala Rao, Project Director (FAC), APSACS and HoDs (Head of Departments) of all line departments and reviewed the preparedness and arrangements for the awareness programme.

Flagging off the train, the Chief Secretary explained about the background of the launching of RRE and the scenario of HIV in Andhra Pradesh. He stressed that the virus is very fragile in the state and with the efforts of NACO and APSACS, the prevalence of HIV is decreased significantly.

Emphasizing on the successful RRE campaign, “RRE has been very much successful in creating awareness about HIV/AIDS among the rural and vulnerable masses in the country. Therefore I request all the government and non-government agencies to make this endeavour a grand success,” said Pankaj Dwivedi, CS, Government of AP.

Earlier the train was flagged off by Union Minister of Heath & Family Welfare, on 12.1.2012 from Delhi. The third phase of Red Ribbon Express (RRE) is mainly to reach out to a larger portion of the rural poor. Today, as India is having third largest population suffering with HIV/AIDS, this programme seeks to spread awareness about HIV/AIDS, promote safe sex and reduce discrimination against AIDS victims in the country. With doctors and volunteers on board, the train will not only provide counselling but also help people in testing and anti-retro viral treatment. The train will travel across the country for one year and stop at 163 stations en route.