Tripura, 29 Jan 2026: A three-day in-depth training workshop under DISHA (District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS) began yesterday with the objective of formulating district-level integrated plans for the prevention of HIV/AIDS. The training programme has been organized by the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS).
Officials from the State AIDS Control Societies of five states Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura are participating in this important capacity-building programme.
The workshop was inaugurated by the District Magistrate of West Tripura, Dr. Vishal Kumar. Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Kumar emphasized that for the programme to be successful, social awareness must reach the grassroots level, especially villages. He stressed the need to work seriously on behavioural change among drug users, identifying them and focusing on their rehabilitation. Highlighting the importance of doorstep healthcare, he underlined the need to ensure access to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) for people living with HIV/AIDS. He also laid special emphasis on effective planning during the training sessions.
Speaking on the occasion, Director of the Tripura State National Health Mission, Saju Wahid A, said that as part of the “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan,” the challenge of preventing HIV/AIDS by freeing youth from substance abuse must be taken up collectively. He highlighted that protecting the younger generation is essential for the progress of the nation and society, and expressed hope that exchange of ideas on challenges and solutions among officials from different states would fulfill the objectives of the workshop.
The programme also featured addresses by Team Leader of Family Health India, S.K. Hari Kumar, and National Programme Manager (CB Project), FH India, Jimrevs Kirubakaran.
Tripura State AIDS Control Society Project Director, Dr. Binita Chakma, informed that the state is placing greater emphasis on expanded screening for HIV/AIDS detection. She stated that while two lakh screenings were conducted last year, the target has been increased to four lakh screenings this year. She also added that continuous statewide awareness activities are being carried out to prevent HIV/AIDS.
The vote of thanks was delivered by TSACS Assistant Project Director, Dr. Amit Debbarma. Among others present was Member Secretary of the National Health Mission, Tripura, Dr. Souvik Debbarma.
The three-day training workshop will continue on January 29 and 30, with experts from various parts of the country providing training to participating officials on different aspects of HIV/AIDS prevention. Speakers praised the Tripura State AIDS Control Society for organizing such an important programme. The workshop is being smoothly conducted with the dedicated efforts of TSACS officials and staff.
The information was shared by the Health Department.
