Agartala, March 2: The number of HIV/AIDS cases in Tripura has surged past 10,000, reaching an ‘alarming situation,’ Chief Minister Manik Saha cautioned on Sunday.
Addressing the 20th annual conference of the Tripura Retired Doctors’ Association in Agartala, Saha stressed the urgent need to raise awareness about the disease and identify drug users, as needle-sharing among addicts remains a primary cause of the rapid spread.
Saha, who also holds the health portfolio, urged politicians and leaders of various organizations to actively discuss the link between drug abuse and HIV/AIDS to curb its rise.
He revealed that Tripura now ranks fourth among North Eastern states in HIV/AIDS prevalence.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of medical professionals taking extra precautions while treating patients, particularly regarding syringe usage, to prevent further transmission.
He noted that government initiatives have led to a decline in HIV/AIDS cases among intravenous drug users compared to previous years. However, he emphasized the need for stronger monitoring and innovative strategies to identify and support addicts.
Saha asserted that legislation alone cannot curb drug abuse or HIV/AIDS and called for broader societal involvement.
