South Tripura has received national recognition under the National AIDS Control Organisation’s (NACO) Mission AIDS Suraksha programme for its collective efforts to strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention, expand access to treatment and improve public health services, becoming the first district in Tripura to achieve the Surakshit District status.
At A Glance
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South Tripura becomes the first district in the State to receive the Surakshit District recognition under NACO’s Mission AIDS Suraksha programme.
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The achievement reflects progress in HIV testing, treatment access, viral suppression and public health awareness.
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District health officials, NACP personnel, NGOs, the administration and TSACS contributed to the achievement.
In the fight against HIV/AIDS, South Tripura has achieved a significant milestone by securing the prestigious Surakshit District recognition under the National AIDS Control Organisation’s (NACO) Mission AIDS Suraksha programme.
With this achievement, South Tripura has become the first district in Tripura to receive the recognition. The milestone highlights the district’s sustained efforts to strengthen HIV/AIDS prevention, expand healthcare services and bring affected individuals under appropriate treatment facilities.
The recognition also reflects the coordinated work of the district administration, Health Department, National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) personnel, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders.
NACO’s Mission AIDS Suraksha and Global 95-95-95 Targets
NACO has introduced several initiatives across the country to achieve the global 95-95-95 targets set by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).
The international targets aim to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. They focus on three critical areas: identifying people living with HIV, ensuring access to treatment and achieving viral suppression.
Under the first target, at least 95 per cent of people living with HIV should know their infection status. This requires wider testing facilities and efforts to identify individuals who remain unaware of their HIV status.
The second target seeks to ensure that at least 95 per cent of those diagnosed with HIV receive regular antiretroviral therapy (ART). Consistent access to treatment remains a key component of HIV/AIDS management.
The third target focuses on viral suppression. It aims to ensure that at least 95 per cent of people receiving ART achieve sufficiently low viral loads to bring the virus below detectable levels.
These three targets form the foundation of the global strategy to control HIV/AIDS and eventually eliminate the epidemic as a public health threat by 2030.
South Tripura’s Surakshit District recognition marks an important achievement in the implementation of these objectives at the district level.
District Administration’s Support Strengthens Programme
The district administration played an important role in supporting the HIV/AIDS prevention and control initiatives.
South Tripura District Magistrate and Collector Muhammad Sajj ad P, IAS, made a significant contribution through administrative assistance, guidance and overall support.
His involvement helped strengthen coordination and improve the implementation of various preventive programmes across the district.
The achievement also highlights the importance of administrative support in implementing public health initiatives. Effective coordination among government departments and healthcare institutions has remained central to the district’s efforts.
CMO and District AIDS Control Officer Lead Health Initiatives
Chief Medical Officer of South Tripura Dr J. M. Das contributed through his leadership and coordination of the Health Department’s activities.
His active involvement in programme implementation helped accelerate the district’s efforts towards achieving the recognition.
District AIDS Control Officer (DACO) Dr Manish Chowdhury also played a key role in the achievement. His sustained efforts, close monitoring, coordination and involvement in implementing the NACP initiatives contributed significantly to the district’s progress.
The Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) provided continuous guidance, cooperation and institutional support throughout the process.
The combined efforts of these officials and institutions helped strengthen the district’s HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment framework.
NGOs and NACP Personnel Receive Appreciation
The district has acknowledged the contribution of all personnel associated with the National AIDS Control Programme, along with NGOs, healthcare workers, administrative officials and partner organisations.
Their collective commitment, cooperation and sustained efforts helped advance HIV/AIDS awareness, prevention and treatment initiatives.
The recognition is being viewed as a collective achievement rather than the contribution of any single department or individual.
The district has extended congratulations and expressed gratitude to all officials, healthcare personnel, NACP workers, NGO members and other stakeholders who contributed to the initiative.
Recognition Sets an Example for Tripura
South Tripura’s achievement has emerged as an encouraging example for public health initiatives across Tripura.
The achievement of the district highlights the importance of coordinated action involving stakeholders.
The achievement also reinforces the need to maintain momentum in HIV/AIDS prevention and control.
The focus will remain on expanding public awareness, strengthening preventive measures, ensuring access to treatment and improving social protection for people living with HIV.
