(a) whether Government has launched the National AIDS Control Organisation`s
Red Ribbon Express, Phase-III;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the details of the objectives of Red Ribbon Express;
(d) the extent to which the Phase-I and II have been able to obtain their objectives;and
(e) the details of the expenditure likely to be incurred on Phase-III?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)
(a) Yes, the Red Ribbon Express Phase III was launched on 12.1.2012 on a year long journey
which culminated on 12.1.2013.
(b) Red Ribbon Express Phase III has covered 23 states and 162 halt stations.
Total population covered during the year long run of phase III was about 1.14 crore.
(c) The objectives of Red Ribbon Express with primary focus on the rural areas are
i. Disseminating information regarding primary prevention and services;
ii. Developing an understanding about the infection to reduce stigma & discrimination
against People Living with HIV/AIDS;
iii. Strengthening people’s knowledge about the measures to be taken to prevent HIV/AIDS;and
iv. Adopting preventive health habits and lifestyle
(d) In both Phase I and II the objectives were met.
In Phase I, 62 lakh people were reached through exhibition and outreach activities to make them
aware of HIV prevention and services. More than 1 lakh people underwent voluntary counselling on
board the train, and 68,000 district level resource persons were trained on board for further
dissemination among communities on HIV prevention, services and Stigma & discrimination.
In Phase II, above 80 lakh people were reached through exhibition and outreach activities to
spread awareness on HIV prevention and services. Total 57,157 people were given counselling on
HIV/AIDS, out of which 36,019 people had undergone voluntary testing for HIV, and 81,398
district level resource persons were trained on board for further dissemination among
communities on HIV prevention, services and Stigma & discrimination.
(e) The total expenditure incurred on Red Ribbon Express Phase III is about Rs.18 crore