BY TC News Desk
Agartala, January 23: The Hepatitis Foundation of Tripura (HFT) has initiated a comprehensive project to combat the menace of drug addiction and its related health risks in the state. The project, named Anti-Drugs Mission, was inaugurated by Dr. Pradip Bhaumik, the leader of the organization, at their office in Indranagar on Tuesday.
Dr. Bhaumik said that a large section of the youth in Tripura is severely affected by various drugs, including some girls aged 12 to 30 years. He said that drug addiction not only harms the individual and their family, but also increases the chances of contracting diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis C.
He cited the alarming statistics that more than 20 percent of the drug users in Tripura are suffering from AIDS, and about 24 percent are infected with hepatitis C. He said that the prevalence of hepatitis C has risen significantly in the past few years, and poses a serious threat to the public health.
To address this issue, the HFT has launched the Anti-Drugs Mission, which aims to create a drug-free society by raising awareness and educating people through various programs. The project coincides with the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, and will be implemented across the state.
Dr. Bhaumik said that the HFT will use drama, campaigning, counseling, and other methods to reach out to the people and motivate them to quit drugs. He also appealed to the government and the civil society to support the noble cause and join hands with the HFT in their mission.
