While AIDS continues to be a global challenge, there has been a growing number of cases among students in Tripura. Ratan Lal Nath, education minister of Tripura expressed concern over the growing number of AIDS cases among students in the state. “Though the number is low in comparison to other state, the growing trend of AIDS cases among students is a serious issue,” Nath said, while addressing a programme organized at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala. Nath expressed serious concern over the growing trend of drug addiction among the students, and some of whom are AIDS-infected. However, the education minister did not disclose the exact number of AIDS cases among students. The highest numbers of AIDS patients are in North Tripura district, he said. Nath said to handle the twin issue of drug addiction and AIDS, creating awareness is the only way to check the growing trend. “Awareness is the only way to make AIDS free Tripura,” the education minister said, adding that the state government has embarked on a massive awareness campaign against drugs. Nath said educating the youths on the threat of intra-venous drugs can play an important role in checking the spread of HIV/AIDS in Tripura. According to the AIDS Control Society of Tripura, the state, at present has 1,916 AIDS patients. Among the AIDS patients, 690 are female, 1,226 are male and 28 are children, those who are less than seven years old. A total of 65,352 suspected people were tested for HIV/AIDS in Tripura during the last six months, and out of which, 237 tested positive. The positive rate stands at 0.36 percent. It is a matter of serious concern as a large number of the HIV/AIDS positive cases in Tripura are students. Nath said socio-cultural organisations, NGOs, the political parties should come together to fight against the twin menace of drug addiction and HIV/AIDS.

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