Red Ribbon Express

Red Ribbon Express

The Red Ribbon Express (RRE), is a landmark initiative of National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) and Rajiv Gandhi foundation, in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan, Ministry of Railways, UNICEF and Other partners. IT is the largest mass mobilization effort that has been undertaken anywhere in the world. In its year-long journey, RRE will halt at 180 stations and cover more than 50,000 villages in the country. It is hoped that initiative will contribute to strengthening the district and village level partnerships and help develop as undertaking of the complex issues related to HIV/AIDS.......

Description of Red Ribbon Express...

RRE has 8 coaches & 2 power vans. First 3 coaches are exhibition coach equipped with digital displays, plasma TV's, models, pannels, scrollers etc; meant for all public above 14 years of age for awareness regarding HIV/AIDS, ursers appointed from various NGO's and State Aids Control Society (SACS) for explaining to public. 4th coach is Auditorium coach where training is provided regarding HIV/AIDS to various department personnels like health department, police department, Aangan Wadi Workers(AWW), NGO's staff, Youth(college students, NCC, NSS), representatives of Panchayati Raj etc. Trainers are appointed from SACS and NGO's to provide trainings. 5th coach is counseling coach where 4 counselors & 2 doctors are available for counseling and treatment. Those persons who wants to know more about HIV/AIDS or attend counseling session may go to counseling coach. 6th is Ashiyana coach where cultural team of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sanghathan (NYKS) resides. These cultural team go to the villages to perform street plays & cultural programmes on HIV/AIDS. These NYKS team changes state wise. 7th is staff coach where 22 permanent staff(who will travel for 1 year) reside. These members have different duties and responsibilities on RRE. Main person is Mr. M. S. Rana who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of RRE represent NACO. Other members are Project Manager from JWT, Supervisor from N. K. Kapoor & co., Electrician, carpenter, cooks & cleaning staffs from Sulabh International. These people have roles like lookafter the management of train, cleaning of train, looking after electricity, etc. 8th is SLR coach where security persons from GRP & 2 A.C. staff from railway travels, also around 32 bicycles which are meant for cultural teams are kept in this coach.

The Genesis of the Journey....

The Red Ribbon Express symolizes the start of journey of diverse groups of people coming together for a common purpose of uniting people against HIV/AIDS. In 2004, the idea of the "Red Ribbon Express" (RRE) was proposed as a strategy to reflect this aspiration and as a means of mobilizing people in village, towns and cities around the issue of HIV/AIDS.

The Rajiv Gandhi Foundation with its immense experience of running the Life line Express readily came forward to partner with NACO on this journey. What was a thought developed into an idea. More partners such as Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and UNICEF joined in.
Many creative minds worked worked day and night to make the RRE possible. Positive Networks and many who work on prevention, control and care have contributed their thoughts and ideas. The ideas took on a form and gradually a detailed plan of action.
The RRE is now envisioned as a multi-sectorial strategy to join hands against HIV/AIDS. The RRE will traverse 180 railway station and over 50,000 villages over the year, under its outreach component consisting of cycle and bus rallies. It will end its journey on 30.11.2008.

Zindagi Zindabad...

Preventing the spread of HIV is an overarching concern. The infection has already moved from urban to rural areas and from small groups to the general population. The effort is now to reach people in every concern of the country with information and services.

HIV in India...

1986: The first case of HIV discovered in Chennai.
1990: HIV detected among sex workers of Maharastra & drug user of Manipur.
1994: HIV reaches general population through sex workers, men having sex with men, drug users, truck drivers, clients of sex workers and transgenders.
2000: Six high prevalence states identified-Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Maharastra, Manipur and Nagaland.
2006: HIV identified in 180 districts. More than 25 lakhs people infected.
Swift and effective response has successfully contained the HIV epidemic in India. A national multi-sectoral effort led by National AIDS Control Organisation and backed by strong political commitment have borne fruit in keeping the adult HIV prevalence to approximately 0.36 % of population.



AIDS can affect you too !

The HIV virus does not discriminate. Anybody can be affected by it. Be aware and save yourself from infection.
Making people realise their vulnerability to HIV is an important aspect both in halting the spread of virus and also in reducing stigma. Just as the virus can affect anyone, everyone has be part of fight against both HIV and stigma.

The Red Ribbon express route Map...
The Red Ribbon express is the world's largest mass mobilization drive. In it's year long journey will cover more than 50'000 villages, halting at 180 stations and reaching out to people with messages on HIV/AIDS and healthy living.

HIV stays hidden...

There are 25 lakh cases of HIV in India. Is it possible that you, too, are amongst them? I ask this because it usually takes 6 to 8 yes. for the symptoms of AIDS to become evident. During this period the infected person both appears and feels absolutely normal. This is why you can be infected with HIV without being aware that you have the infection. You might also unknowingly spread the infection to others. When HIV progresses to AIDS, a person start falling ill very frequently, easily acquiring infections that may range from minor illness like a common cold to TB, diarrhoea, fungal infection, etc. Remember ! HIV can only be detected through a blood test. It is necessary that we should accept the possibility that we may have HIV/AIDS and get our blood tested.

Nevirapine, the Key...

Nevirapine is the key to keep your infant safe from infection! The birth of a child brings joy and festivity to every home. Today, the good news is that even HIV positive women can protect babies from getting HIV. This is why it is important for pregnant women to take an HIV test in addition to all the other essential tests they take.
A dose of Nevirapine, given to mother during delivery and to the child shortly after birth prevent the child from getting the infection. This facility is available free of cost at government hospitals. So remember, women should always go to a hospital for delivery of their babies. For further information visit the Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC) at your nearest government hospital.
Prophlactic treatment for infants of HIV positive mothers was introduced through the public health system in 2004. Steps have been taken for promotion of institutional delivery, knowledge of HIV status and empowerment of women in the effort to prevent transmission of HIV from parent to child.

A Thousand blessings...

A thousand blessings... a million prayers...and a small test!!

HIV can be transmitted from an infected parent to an unborn child. Getting the correct advice and tests is important for both mother and father. Every baby should be delivered in hospital. Under the Janani Suraksha Yojana, government also provides financial aid of Rs. 1400 for the delivery. Make sure you get adequate information go to the nearest Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC).
It is easy to prevent the spread of HIV from parent to child. Knowledge of the parent's HIV status, correct dosage of medicine and institutional delivery can prevent seven out of ten possible cases of perinatal infection.
Let nothing important be left unsaid...Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) increase the risk of getting HIV by 10 times. Symptoms of STIs include itching, discharge, a wound or cyst on your genitals. If you have any of these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately. Don't hide behind a wall of silence! Discuss your problems frankly with your life partner and get yourself treated at your nearest health centre.
Taboos and inhibitions that surround sexual issues impact on people's willingness to access medical treatment for STIs. They resort to quacks and home remedies in an effort to hide the fact that they have an STI. This not only prolongs the infection, but also heightens vulnerability to HIV.

Vanila's story is a common one....

"I entered Chandra's house as a bride in 1997. A year later, i gave birth to a baby. The joy and happiness in our family knew no bounds. Some years later, Chandra took a blood test and was found to be HIV Positive. His impoet-export business often took him away from home. It was during one of his trips that he got this infection. Subsequently i was also tested and found to be HIV positive. I was bewildered and could not understand, what to do. What was my fault? I thought it was my destiny. I went to my doctor. They did not believe well with me, nor did they tell me anything about was wrong with me.

After Chandra's death in 2002 i was thrown out of my in-laws house. I returned to my father's home, but i did not know why i was being punished. For the sake of my family i wanted to stand on my own feet. I learned to operate a computer and started working in a health organisation that was spreading awareness about HIV and AIDS. I want everybody to know about HIV so that no one else becomes a victim of this virus as my husband and i did."

- Vanila

Vanila's story is a common one. Women are often blamed for beinf HIV positive and denied even their basic human rights...the right to live with dignity. Efforts are being made across Ministers and sectors to empower women and safeguard their rights.