Kochiites welcome Red Ribbon Express

[1]

Kochiites on Sunday thronged Red Ribbon Express, the eight-coach train touring the country to create awareness on HIV/AIDS.

Free diagnosis of blood group, blood pressure check and similar tests were carried out at the Ernakulam Junction railway station in this connection.

The district-wise campaign was inaugurated by union minister K. V. Thomas while the exhibition on the train was opened by Hibi Eden ,MLA, Sunday morning.

A counter was opened at the station for the services as visitors including activists, health workers, students and passengers read the exhibits and surveyed LCD screens on how to prevent the disease.

A street play was held to bring out the stigma prevailing in society against AIDS patients.

A ‘life bus’ was also flagged off from the station to spread the message to 16 centres in the interior parts of the district. The vehicle has facilities for blood donation too.

The train, which was flagged off on January 12 to crisscross the country, consists of eight coaches that house a photo exhibition on AIDS, a 3D model exhibition with sensors, charts, models related to HIV symptoms and procedures to be followed for treatment of such patients.

The train will proceed to Alappuzha on Monday evening.