The government today launched the third phase of HIV awareness train, the Red Ribbon Express which will travel across the country.

It was jointly flagged off by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

Flagging off the Express on the National Youth Day, in New Delhi today Mr Azad said, the government is committed to eradicate AIDS. He sought co-operation of the States in reducing the cases of HIV/ AIDS. He said that the efforts of India, China and South Africa in their fight against AIDS were appreciated by the United Nations in a convention in June, 2010. Mr. Azad said there is a sharp reduction of 50 per cent in new cases of HIV/AIDS in the last 10 years in the country.

Speaking on the occasion Mrs Sheila Dikshit said the train will help people affected by AIDS fight the disease and educate others with knowledge on the subject.

Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi said that, In 2009, during the second phase, the train had reached 8 million people after covering 152 stations in 22 states and 36,000 people were tested for HIV.

AIR correspondent reports that the train will cover 23 States and halt at 162 stations during its year-long journey.

It has seven coaches including 3 coaches exhibiting material on HIV and AIDS and a coach for counseling the patients.

Replying to a question on the passage of long-pending AIDS bill, Mr. Azad said the bill is with the Law Ministry and discussions will be held after receiving it.

AIR correspondent reports the bill was finalised in July 2006 by the Health Ministry and was sent to the Law Ministry in August, 2007.