Red Ribbon Express- In Vadodara - An update from the DAPCU Team

This is Vadodara DAPCU's Update on the RRE. If you would like to share your experience plase write dapcuspeak@gmail.com

RRE Reaches Vadodara - 17^th-18^th February 2012

A multi-sectoral and multi-activity social mobilization campaign on HIV/AIDS through Red Ribbon Express train was developed by Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and Nehru Yuva Sangthan (NYKS).  The first phase was launched in Dec 2007. The broad objectives of the RRE are to sensitise rural population to adopt preventive measures and follow healthy life style. The RRE is a comprehensive multi-sectoral, multi-media, multi-theme, unique and the largest campaign ever in the area of HIV/AIDS communication.

DAPCU Vadodara has been working hard towards the RRE and a few specific roles performed were:

Coordination with District Administration: The DAPCU was an integral part of the planning and coordination of RRE activities in Vadodara. Along with the district administration, the DAPCU organized and participated in the District Level Organizing Committee meeting and subsequent press conferences.

IEC: The DAPCU also mobilized NACP facility teams for publicising the RRE and conducting the Pre Arrival activities. For proper publicity of the RRE, they ensured that banners and hoardings were displayed in important rural and urban centres. Mass media advocacy and publicity through radio mirchi, and radio city as well as Doordarshan, local newspaper, local TV channels was also coordinated by the team. DAPCU gave strip messages for  telecast on cable.

Inaugural function was a DAPCU responsibility and it was ensured that prominent personalities of the district and celebrities attended it.

Mobilization: In coordination with the NYKS, NSS, NCC, Bharat Scouts & Guides as well as other NGOs, DAPCU mobilized people for participation at the halt stations. DAPCU prepared documentation on the RRE program. Invitations were sent to schools and colleges inviting their participation.

Pre Arrival  Activity  in Vadodara

1. District Level Organization Co-Ordination Committee for RRE was constituted under the Hon. Collector and DRM -No. of members -45
2. Press Conference by Collector, CDHO and DPO- Number of participants - 30
3. Advertisement and announcements in the newspaper
4. Information of HIV in Youth festival of different colleges- No.  of participating students: 5000
5. Orientation of RRE in 35 group meetings at Youth Information Centres (YIC)  and Link worker scheme through DAPCUs  - No. of Participants present 5000
6. 50 Village group meetings at YIC Link worker scheme through DAPCU. No of participants 3200
7. Total No. Of  Volunteers Trained:  45
8. Five Orientation meetings with NGOs:-No. of Participants -80

The RRE was welcomed by the State Health Minister Shri Parbatbhai Patel, District Development Officer, and District Health Officer. In their welcome addresses they spoke about the objectives of RRE, the status of HIV facilities and services in the district, previous years RRE activities in Vadodara as well as the on-going mainstreaming efforts in the district. The RRE attracted people an broadly the achievements and details of the core teams are provided below:

RRE - Achievement

Total Population Reach	19,125
Total Training Batch	14
Total participants in Training	750
Total Counselling	460
Total HIV Testing	121
STD Treatment	6
General Treatment	89
Blood Donation	25
PSB	14