The UPA Chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi today flagged off Red Ribbon Express from Safdarjung Railway Station New Delhi on the occasion of World Aids Day. The day is observed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS around the world. Speaking on occasion Mrs. Gandhi said that the train will go a long way in spreading awareness among the people about AIDS. She said the UPA government is committed to control such type of disease and also appealed to various departments and NGO's to join hands to fight against AIDS. The Union Health and Family Wefare Minister, Mr. Gulam Nab Azad informed that over 27 lakh people were affected by the HIV/AIDS in the country which is very small according to size of the population. The Railway Minister Miss Mamta Banjerji speaking on the occasion said that the Red Ribbon Express in the second phase will cover 152 stations in 141 districts of 24 states. It will develop an understanding about the infection in order to reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS. Besides disseminating information regarding prevention and services it will also generate awareness about swine flu, Tuberculosis and Reproductive and Child Health services. Delhi Chief Minister Mrs. Sheila Dikshit and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Trivedi were among those present on the occasion.<br/><br/> <br/>