The India Post, Chandigarh, 12th November,2008 : UT Deputy Commissioner, Mr. R.K. Rao today presided a press conference at CYP Asia Centre, Sector-12 to announce the arrival of Red Ribbon Express (RRE). While addressing the media personnel, Mr. Rao said that it is a great opportunity for creating mass awareness and mainstreaming the issues of HIV/AIDS. He said that parents who hesitate to discuss issues pertaining to HIV/AIDS with their children should make it a point to visit this train.
RRE consisting of seven coaches will reach Chandigarh on November 16 with the aim of generating understanding on HIV/AIDS related issues. RRE would ensure wide dissemination of messages on HIV prevention and means of protecting oneself from getting this infection. The train will be open for visitors from 9 am to 6 pm.
The Coach I, of RRE will display educational material, primarily on HIV/AIDS, interactive touch screens and 3-D models whereas, Coach II, would showcase educational material with focus on HIV/AIDS linked to NRHM programmes, such as PPTCT services in the context of RCH II, HIV-TB co-infection etc.
Coach III, will exhibit educational material with focus on HIV within the socio-developmental context (inter-sectoral/ mainstreaming approach) while, Coach IV, Auditorium cum Conference: would have arrangements for orientation/ sensitization of selected groups such as PRIs, AWWs, SHGs, youth and women. A group of 60 people can be oriented in one batch with three sessions planned per day. It will have LCD projector and platform for folk performances.
Coach V, Counseling cum Medical Services: It will have six cabins- 4 counseling cabins and two doctor’s cabins for providing counseling and syndromic treatment for STI and RTI cases. There will be no HIV testing facility on board. However, provisions for referral services to the nearby ICTC and other care & support services on HIV/AIDS will be ensured.
Various activities associated with RRE will include Platform activities, Outreach activities and In-train activities. Platform activities will include welcome ceremony, exhibition on the platform and cultural performances on the platforms till the departure of the train. Outreach activities will include a cycle caravan and a bus caravan. In-train activities will include display of exhibitions, Audio-Visuals, auditorium facility for training and counseling and medical services.
Chandigarh State AIDS Control Society, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Red Cross Society, different NGOs and various departments of Chandigarh Administration are actively participating to make RRE project at Chandigarh a success.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mr. I.S. Sandhu, Project Director, State AIDS Control Society, Dr. Vanita Gupta and Director Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Mr.J.S.Kooner were also present during the conference.