Sonia Gandhi flags off Red Ribbon Express on World AIDS Day

New Delhi, Dec 1 (ANI): UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today flagged off the Red Ribbon Express, which will travel across the country carrying HIV/AIDS prevention messages.

Addressing the gathering, Gandhi said information is the best key to fight the disease.

On the occasion, Union Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee said the train would spread awareness about the dangers of HIV/AIDS in rural areas and urban areas.

The train will stop at 152 stations during its year-long journey.

Voluntary workers will go around the nearby locations to counsel people about HIV/ AIDS when the train stops in the selected stations.

There will be counselling facility for people inside the train. The volunteers will also involve the local people and hold street plays to make villagers aware about the disease in areas where the incidence is high.

India has at least 2.5 million HIV positive people, including over 80,000 children below the age of 15. (ANI)