BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 5th July 2024: In a joint initiative organized by the Tripura AIDS Control Society, Tripura Journalists Union and Tripura Web Media Forum, a workshop was held at Muktadhara auditorium in Agartala to address the growing threat of HIV/AIDS. The workshop emphasized the crucial role of media in combating this deadly disease.
Health Director Dr. Sanjib Debbarma highlighted intravenous drug use as a significant cause of HIV/AIDS infection. He stressed the importance of public awareness to prevent the spread of the virus. Dr. Debbarma clarified, “HIV/AIDS is not an infectious disease; it’s a virus. Transmission occurs through blood circulation, shared needles, organ transplants, and unprotected sex.”
Dr. Debbarma expressed concern about the rising number of intravenous drug users contracting HIV/AIDS. The disease weakens the immune system, leading to dire consequences. He urged everyone to stay informed and emphasized the need to educate mothers about protecting children from infection.
Director of Family Welfare and Prevention Department Dr. Anjan Das echoed the call for awareness. The Health Department and AIDS Control Society are collaborating to prevent infection. Various programs have already been implemented. Dr. Das attributed the rise in infections to intravenous drug use and the transmission of drugs via syringes.
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS include fever, pharyngitis, rash, myalgia, ulcers, headache, nausea, fatigue, and more. A toll-free helpline (1097) is available for inquiries related to HIV/AIDS.
Director of Information and Cultural Affairs Department Bimbisar Bhattacharya emphasized education as the ideal defense against the disease. Gender disparities play a role in transmission, making media awareness crucial.
The workshop was attended by prominent figures, including Pranab Sarkar (President, Tripura Journalists Union), Abhishek Dey (Secretary, Tripura Web Media Forum), and Dr. Samarpita Datta (Project Director, Tripura AIDS Control Society). Valuable insights on journalism methods for increasing awareness were shared during the detailed discussions.
