Indian train aims to raise HIV and AIDS awareness
18/12/2009
A train is due to travel around India for a number of days in order to raise awareness of the issues associated with HIV and AIDS.
The Red Ribbon Express aims to dispel taboos and myths associated with the conditions from the minds of those it visits.
Regional news resource DNA India notes that the government-run campaign will see the train travel near approximately 203 villages while covering four districts and six railway stations.
Speaking at a press conference held in recent days, health and family welfare minister Jaynarayan Vyas said that the Red Ribbon Express will be backed by free governmental testing for HIV and AIDS.
He added: "Through this train, we also want to take the opportunity to make people adopt preventive health habits and lifestyle."
UNAIDS' Epidemiological Fact Sheet on HIV and AIDS for 2008 states that there are some 2,400,000 people living with HIV in India.
Written by Dan Parr
