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Thousands of persons turned up to witness the Red Ribbon Express that arrived on Tuesday at Karur railway junction to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS.The train with six coaches is equipped with innovative and interactive communication device, besides photographs and descriptions, to sensitise masses to AIDS and issues related to stigma and discrimination. Photographs on malaria and tuberculosis have also been displayed.The Red Ribbon Express, an initiative of the National AIDS Control Organisation and the Ministry of Family Welfare, will be stationed at the Karur junction on May 16 and 17.According to officials, the Red Ribbon Express will serve the purpose of informing people about primary preventive services; removing the stigma and overcoming discrimination against people living with AIDS; enhancing people's knowledge about preventive measures; and convincing them to adopt preventive health habits and life style.The public viewing exhibitions on HIV and AIDS will have access to counselling, and take part in discussions and debates. One coach with capacity to accommodate 60 persons functions as a training facility.

While the district administration had made arrangements to bring the public from various blocks, the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation operated special buses from various parts of the district to the junction. Folk performances were organised to welcome the train with coaches featuring touch screen on HIV/AIDS, medical services for HIV/AIDS infected people, and materials to emphasise social recognition for them.

Senior officials including District Revenue Officer T. Christhuraj and project director of District Rural Development Agency Murugan accompanied Collector V.Shobana.