Urgent Action: Tripura HC Demands Swift Response from State AIDS Control Society on Alarming HIV/AIDS Statistics!
The Tripura High Court has instructed the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) to submit updated statistics on HIV/AIDS cases by next week. This data is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of current measures in reducing the rising trend of HIV/AIDS, especially among the youth in the state. The High Court’s division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Biswajit Palit, is currently addressing this issue via a suo moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Previously, the state and the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) were unable to file reports due to network issues, despite progress following an earlier order dated November 2024. During recent proceedings, Dr. Chinmoyee Das of NACO and Dr. Samarpita Dutta of TSACS, reported that NACO has approved the creation of two new ART Centres in Khowai and Gomati districts and a District Monitoring Unit for Gomati and South districts.
Additionally, TSACS has been advised to request further budget approval for operational plans for the fiscal year 2025-2026. A multi-stakeholder consultation led by the state’s Chief Secretary also took place to address ‘Injecting Drug Use’ and HIV/AIDS issues. Participants included NACO representatives who confirmed ongoing monitoring in collaboration with TSACS.
TSACS has expanded its support network significantly, now operating 24 standalone Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres, 133 Facility Integrated Centres, several NGOs for high-risk groups, and increasing Opioid Substitution Therapy centres from five to 23. Additional facilities such as FIARTCs, Link ART Centres, and DISHA units have also been approved.
The court emphasized the urgency of reviewing the updated statistics to determine if recent efforts have curtailed the growth of HIV/AIDS cases. The case will be revisited on February 20, with the expectation that detailed reports and NCORD resolutions will be presented.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/tripura/story/tripura-hc-directs-state-aids-control-society-to-submit-updated-hivaids-statistics-by-next-week-1154251-2025-01-14?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-01-14 09:33:00
