Agartala, June 19: Tripura is witnessing a concerning surge in HIV/AIDS cases, with nearly **120 new infections being reported every month**, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha revealed on Thursday. He shared this alarming data during an awareness programme organized by the Tripura AIDS Control Society at the Legislative Assembly lobby.
Speaking at a sensitization session with members of the *Tripura Legislative Forum on AIDS*, the Chief Minister called for a united, community-driven response to the rising HIV threat. “We must come forward with courage and unity to combat AIDS,” he urged, adding that a *lack of awareness* remains the primary factor contributing to the spread of infections.
Dr. Saha also proposed that MLAs could allocate funds from their constituency development budgets to support awareness campaigns and resources aimed at HIV prevention. However, he cautioned against mandatory HIV testing in hospitals without patient consent, warning that such actions could lead to legal complications and violate patient rights.
The Chief Minister further disclosed that **over 5,000 people are currently living with AIDS in Tripura**, making it the fifth most affected state in the Northeast. Of growing concern is the increasing rate of HIV infections among women, which officials say points to changing transmission patterns and requires targeted interventions.
Senior political leaders, including Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman, MLA Gopal Roy, and Ministers Tinku Roy and Ratan Lal Nath, also spoke at the event, offering suggestions on how to strengthen public outreach and health services.
The session emphasized the importance of education, early detection, and destigmatization in tackling the spread of HIV. As Tripura faces this escalating public health challenge, leaders across party lines agreed that a collaborative, sustained approach is essential to reversing the trend and ensuring effective care for affected individuals.
