Re:Red Ribbon Express Reporting from Balia

[Guest guest]

RRE best tool to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS

Ballia, September 7: The UP Cabinet Minister for Panchayati Raj, Mr Swami Prasad Maurya, on Tuesday inaugurated the Red Ribbon Express in Ballia in the presence of the Ballia District Magistrate Mr. Senthil Pandayan C and the Chief Medical Officer, Mr. Sunil Bharti. A NACO initiative, in Uttar Pradesh the Red Ribbon Express covers 16 stations the schedule, route and execution of which is being monitored by the UP State Aids Control Society (UPSACS) Speaking at the inauguration ceremony Mr. Maurya asserted that the state government would be taking full advantage of the opportunity to raise awareness regarding the Red Ribbon Express and said the government had initiated a mass awareness programme all over the state to popularize the message of the train and exhorted all to make good use of this opportunity of information, education and communication (IEC) regarding HIV/AIDS. “There is a need to provide prompt redress to public grievances and stress on the need to adopt preventive measures to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS, he asserted. “Awareness of HIV/AIDS is being included in school curriculum which goes on to indicate the seriousness of the government towards taking stock of the situation. We are thus making full use of the resources and opportunities that come with the Red Ribbon Express to spread information regarding the same all over the state especially in far flung rural areas,†he averred. Stressing on the need to fall back on traditional values and Indian traditions, Mr Maurya said since maximum contamination is spread through sexual contact, one should remain faithful to our values and cultures and loyal to our partners. The cause of this disease only goes on to reinforce the fact that the traditional Indian lifestyle and cultural values are best options to stem the spread of HIV/AIDS.â€

“Limited lifestyle and character building are reinforcements against the scourge of HIV/AIDS. This is a dangerous disease and efforts like the Red Ribbon Express are a positive approach not only to spread awareness but also to help dispel the myths surrounding this disease. “Mr Maurya cut short his trip to Kushinagar to ensure he could make it to the inauguration ceremony of the Red Ribbon Express this morning. On the occasion Mr Maurya also formally announced the NACO-UPSACS Toll Free Helpline No. 1800-180-2500 to the public. Ballia station wore a festive look to welcome the arrival of the Red Ribbon Express which has met with an astounding response from the public. With huge number of stalls involving District Health Department and NGO stakeholders offering free Homeopathic and Ayurvedic consultation and medicine, immunization, counseling and other facilities has ensured a huge turnout at the venue. Well organized stalls spread over the entire length of platform allow for easy accessibility and ensure maximum visitors are able to visit the same without a hitch. The Red Ribbon Express remains in Ballia till tomorrow when it moves on to Mau on the next leg of its journey across the state. On Monday evening the NSD-BNA collaboration, play Shifa on stigma and discrimination was staged at the Town Degree College auditorium Ballia. Despite a power failure which left not a single fan operational, the audience in the jam packed hall braved the heat and humidity to give a standing ovation to the artistes in the end. Local theatre organization Sankalp presented mementos to the cast and crew of the play as a token of appreciation. Red Ribbon Express: 

Uniting India against AIDS/ AIDS ke Viruddh, Bharat Ekjut 

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