New Delhi, Nov 29 (IANS) The Red Ribbon Express arrived in the capital Monday, a year after its journey around the country to spread awareness about AIDS and other diseases.
Delhi Health Minister Kiran Walia received the train at Safdarjung Railway station.
In a year-long journey, the express travelled through 22 states, halted at 152 railway stations while reaching out to about 80 lakh people, an official said. The train covered a distance of over 22,000 km and during the year’s time about 35 lakh people were tested and provided counselling.
The train has eight coaches with both doctors and volunteers on board. The train will complete its one-year journey on the World AIDS Day Dec 1.
Conceptualised by the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, the Red Ribbon Express project was implemented by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) in partnership with the railway ministry and the AIDS control societies in various states.
Walia said the train has also provided information about diseases such as malaria, TB and swine flu.
According to a UN report, India has about 2.3 million people living with AIDS in the country.
