BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 28th January 2026: A three-day regional training workshop on the District Integrated Strategy for HIV/AIDS (DISHA) began today in Tripura, aimed at strengthening district-level planning for HIV/AIDS prevention. The event is being organized by the Tripura State AIDS Control Society with participation from officials of State AIDS Control Societies across five northeastern states — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Sikkim, and Tripura.
The workshop was formally inaugurated by Dr. Vishal Kumar, District Magistrate of West Tripura. In his opening remarks, Dr. Kumar emphasized the need to extend social awareness to the grassroots level, particularly focusing on changing behavioral patterns among drug users, identifying them, and ensuring rehabilitation. He also highlighted the importance of delivering antiretroviral therapy (ART) directly to the doorsteps of HIV/AIDS patients and stressed the role of effective planning in combating the epidemic.
Speaking at the event, Tripura National Health Mission Director Saju Wahid A underscored the challenge of freeing young people from substance abuse under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India Campaign). He called for collective efforts to protect the youth, noting that discussions among officials from different states on problems and solutions would help achieve the workshop’s objectives.
Other speakers included Family Health India Team Leader S.K. Hari Kumar and CB Project National Program Manager Jimrives Kirubakaran.
Tripura State AIDS Control Society Project Director Dr. Binita Chakma announced that the state is intensifying HIV/AIDS screening efforts. While 200,000 screenings were conducted last year, the target has been doubled to 400,000 for 2026. She also noted that continuous awareness campaigns are being carried out across the state to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Amit Debbarma, Deputy Project Director of the Tripura State AIDS Control Society. Among those present were Dr. Souvik Debbarma, Member Secretary of Tripura’s National Health Mission, along with trainers from across the country who will conduct sessions on various aspects of HIV/AIDS prevention during the workshop.
The training programme will continue through January 29 and 30, with participants engaging in in-depth discussions and capacity-building exercises. Speakers praised the Tripura State AIDS Control Society for successfully organizing such a large-scale event, while staff members of the society worked diligently to ensure smooth proceedings.
