South Tripura becomes first district in state to receive ‘protected district’ status under HIV/AIDS programme

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, November 2, 2026

South Tripura has become the first district in the state to receive ‘protected district’ recognition under the National AIDS Control Organisation’s (NACO) Mission AIDS Suraksha programme, in recognition of its efforts to strengthen HIV prevention, testing and treatment services.

The recognition reflects the district’s initiatives to expand healthcare coverage, improve public awareness and ensure access to treatment for people living with HIV.

The programme is aligned with the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, which seek to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. The targets envisage that 95 per cent of people living with HIV will know their status, 95 per cent of those diagnosed will receive antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 95 per cent of those undergoing treatment will achieve viral suppression.

The achievement has been attributed to coordinated efforts by the National AIDS Control Programme, the district administration, the Health Department, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders.

South Tripura District Magistrate and Collector Muhammad Sajjad P provided administrative support for strengthening HIV/AIDS prevention and control initiatives. Chief Medical Officer Dr JM Das led the Health Department's efforts, while District AIDS Control Officer Dr Manish Chowdhury coordinated programme implementation, monitoring and related activities.

The Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) also provided guidance and institutional support to the district in achieving the recognition.

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