Background and Judicial Intervention
The High Court's involvement stems from a suo moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the alarming increase in HIV/AIDS cases across Tripura. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Biswajit Palit, has been actively monitoring the situation to ensure that appropriate measures are implemented to curb the spread of the virus.
Recent Developments and Approvals
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) has approved the establishment of two new Facility-integrated Anti-Retroviral Therapy Centres (Fi-ARTC) in the Khowai and Gomati districts. Additionally, approval has been granted for a new District Monitoring Unit to serve both Gomati and South districts. TSACS has been instructed to seek additional budget approval under the Annual Action Plan for the fiscal year 2025-2026 to operationalize these facilities.
Existing Infrastructure and Services
TSACS has made significant strides in expanding HIV/AIDS-related services throughout the state. Currently, there are 24 Stand Alone Integrated Counseling & Testing Centres (SA-ICTC) and 133 Facility Integrated Counseling and Testing Centres (F-ICTC) providing screening and testing services. Furthermore, three Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model ICTC Centres and a Mobile ICTC Van are operational, enhancing accessibility to testing services. To support high-risk groups, 13 Targeted Intervention NGOs, two Link Worker Schemes, and four One Stop Centres are actively working within the community. Over the past five to six years, the number of Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST) centres has increased from five to 23, with an additional nine centres approved and slated to commence operations soon. These efforts are complemented by the approval of two Fi-ARTCs, five Link ART Centres, and two District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA) units, which operate in accordance with NACO guidelines.
Court's Directive and Future Proceedings
The High Court has requested TSACS to file a comprehensive progress report detailing the current statistics of HIV/AIDS cases and the impact of the measures implemented. Additionally, the court has directed that resolutions from the National Narcotics Coordination Portal (NCORD) and subsequent actions be presented. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 20, allowing the court to assess the situation and provide necessary directives to ensure the health and well-being of the state's residents.
Current HIV/AIDS Scenario in Tripura
Recent reports indicate a concerning rise in HIV/AIDS cases in Tripura. The state records approximately 1,500 new cases annually, with a significant number of these cases involving individuals under the age of 30. As of May 2024, there are about 5,674 people living with HIV in Tripura. Alarmingly, 828 students have tested positive for HIV, with 47 reported deaths, highlighting the virus's penetration into educational institutions. The prevalence of intravenous drug use has been identified as a major contributing factor to the spread of HIV, affecting numerous schools and colleges across the state.
Government Initiatives and Challenges
In response to the escalating crisis, the state government has launched statewide campaigns to combat HIV/AIDS, focusing on increased screening and awareness programs. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, particularly in reaching high-risk populations and addressing the stigma associated with the disease. The government's initiatives aim to enhance public awareness, promote safe practices, and provide support to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Conclusion
The Tripura High Court's proactive stance underscores the critical need for updated data and effective intervention strategies to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the state. By seeking detailed statistics and progress reports, the court aims to ensure that the measures undertaken are impactful and that resources are allocated efficiently to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. The upcoming hearing on February 20 will be pivotal in determining the future course of action to safeguard public health in Tripura.
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