Prevalence of HIV lower in Tripura in comparison to many states: CM Manik Saha

Tripura hit the headlines last month after reports of 47 HIV-related deaths in the state surfaced

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, HIV prevalence,

The chief minister, however, remarked that people in the age group of 16-25 years are highly prone to HIV. (Express Archives)

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday claimed that the prevalence of HIV in the state was lower compared to several other states.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a Raksha Bandhan event held at his official residence in Agartala, CM Saha said, “I held a meeting yesterday (Sunday). What I have seen is that Assam has the highest number (of HIV patients) and Sikkim has the lowest. Tripura has lower figures compared to many other states.”

Saha stressed that injectable syringes should not be sold to anyone without a doctor’s prescription to curb the spread of the infection.

The chief minister, however, remarked that people in the age group of 16-25 years are highly prone to HIV.

“Teachers must take responsibility. Parents also need to take responsibility. If any abnormality is visible in any student, they need to address it,” added Saha.

Also Read | Don’t want violence… have asked everyone to maintain peace: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha

Tripura hit the headlines last month after reports of 47 HIV-related deaths in the state surfaced. Although it was later claimed that these deaths occurred over the last 17 years.

“A wrong information was shared about the death of 47 HIV patients. That was the cumulative figure for the last 17 years, i.e. from 2007 till 2024,” said the CM.

Story continues below this ad

The High Court of Tripura last month served a notice to the state government seeking a report on the steps taken to prevent HIV infection.

It registered a suo motu case based on the letter of Justice T Amarnath Goud, Executive Chairman, Legal Services Authority, to Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh stating that HIV-related complications and deaths among students have seen an alarming rise in the state.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram