Title - Public throng to see Red Ribbon Express

KOCHI: Public from different walks of life thronged the sixth platform of Ernakulam South railway station on Sunday to visit the Red Ribbon Express.

The train that chugged into the district with six compartments aims at creating awareness on AIDS. It will leave for Alappuzha on Tuesday.

The train was received by a delegation of people's representatives, health officials and health volunteers.

While addressing the gathering after inaugurating the exhibition, union minister of state for food and civil supplies K V Thomas said people affected with AIDS are usually alienated from society and this should change. The exhibition that received good public response focused on awareness on the means and methods to control the spread of the disease, treating HIV-infected with dignity and the primary health services available.

Discussions and interactions between the public and the health officials were also held.

The exhibition included various training sessions for those working in the health sector. Blood group determination camps were also part of the exhibition.

P N Sreenivasan, district health officer said the programme received a good response and about 3,100 people visited on Sunday.