Agartala, March 14: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha expressed his concern over the alarming rise of HIV/AIDS cases in the state, particularly among students and youths, especially due to the increasing trend of intravenous drug use.
Addressing a sensitization program on HIV/AIDS at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan, Saha, who also heads the Health and Family Welfare Department, revealed that the state witnesses on an average 150 to 200 new HIV/AIDS infections per month, with a total of 5,330 cases reported until January this year, including 1,033 women and 558 students.
Highlighting a poignant encounter with a student in south Tripura who fell victim to drug addiction, Saha emphasized the urgent need for intervention and rehabilitation efforts.
He underscored the collective endeavor of northeastern states and the nation in combating drug abuse and striving for a drug-free society.
The sensitization program, organized by the Tripura AIDS Control Society, drew participation from college principals, headmasters, teachers, guardians, students, and health officials.
Saha urged the teaching community to vigilantly monitor the situation and emphasized the role of clubs, societal organizations, and groups in raising awareness against drug abuse.
Identifying financial constraints and ignorance as contributing factors to the spread of diseases, Saha urged stakeholders to identify the epicenter of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS.
He disclosed plans to establish eight drug de-addiction centers across eight districts to provide support to affected youths.
Acknowledging the challenges posed by drug smuggling routes, particularly from Myanmar via Mizoram and Assam, Saha commended the efforts of security forces and government agencies in curbing clandestine drug trafficking.
He called for collective vigilance to safeguard children from falling prey to drug menaces.
In the face of this growing crisis, Tripura’s government and its partners remain committed to eradicating drug abuse and safeguarding public health.
