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ALLAHABAD: The Red Ribbon Express, started to spread awareness on HIV/AIDS, arrived at Allahabad Junction on Friday. A large number of citizens, including children, visited the train which, apart from spreading awareness, is also aimed at dispelling myths on HIV/AIDS.

A programme was organiaed at the Junction on Friday on the arrival of Red Ribbon Express. Speaking as the chief guest, SP MP Reoti Raman Singh said there is a need for creating awareness on AIDS in both urban and rural areas. This awareness programme should be given shape of a national struggle so that people can get information. He also urged the media to spread awareness among people. Singh said there should be a ward for HIV patients in the Medical College with all required facilities. Divisional commissioner Divesh Chaturvedi stressed on the different aspects of HIV/AIDS and laid impetus on creating awareness regarding this disease.

District magistrate Rajshekhar said the Red Ribbon Express is a symbol of Indian unity and constitutes one of the major awareness campaigns.

Chief medical officer Dr Padmakar Singh gave information on the measures being taken for controlling AIDS. In the programme, DTO Dr OP Shahi and additional chief medical officer (NHRM) Dr. Chandan Lal were also present.

Earlier, general manager of North central Railway Alok Johri inaugurated the train with the cutting of ribbon. Divisional railway manager of Allahabad division Harendra Rao was also present.

Dr Kartikey Tripathi, HIV consultant at CHC Soraon, who told the visitors about the train, said: "We are trying to dispel myths on HIV/AIDS. We are telling them that HIV virus spread in four ways - through sexual contact with HIV positive person, pregnant HIV infected woman to her child, through infected blood and needle."

Ajay Kumar, a visitor, said: "We are happy that through this train we are getting valuable information. We have seen the kind of stigma attached to the fatal disease. This has made me even more curious about AIDS."

The train is stationed at the VIP side of Allahabad railway junction near the Line Shah Baba. It will remain open for public on Saturday.