STATE : The Chief Minister has emphasized that public awareness is vital for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. There is a pressing need to organize more workshops and seminars, particularly aimed at educating the youth about HIV/AIDS. Efforts should also focus on sensitizing students regarding HIV/AIDS and the risks associated with intravenous drug use through Red Ribbon Clubs in colleges and universities.

While addressing the gathering as the chief guest at the state-wide World AIDS Day celebrations held at Pragna Bhavan on Sunday, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha stated that individuals living with HIV have the right to live like anyone else. He highlighted that any form of discrimination against HIV-positive individuals could lead to legal repercussions.

The Chief Minister noted that the HIV/AIDS program was initiated in the state in 1999, with the Tripura State AIDS Control Society working since 2000 to implement this initiative. Currently, there are 24 Hospital Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers, 133 Hospital Facility Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers, three TPPP Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers, and one Mobile Integrated Counseling and Testing Center operating to promote HIV/AIDS awareness, counselling, and testing.

Additionally, a Prevention of Parent to Child Transmission (PPTCT) Center has been established at the Agartala Government Medical College and GBP Hospital to prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS from mothers to their children. This year, under the Tripura State AIDS Control Society, there are 13 Targeted Intervention (TI) NGOs, two Link Worker Schemes, and four other initiatives supporting a total of 5,663 female sex workers, 978 homosexuals, 7,716 migrant workers, 3,804 truck drivers, 132 transgenders, and 8,748 intravenous drug users.