168 AIDS patients found in Tripura

Agartala, Feb 3 (PTI) As many as 168 patients of AIDShave been found in Tripura of whom 128 are male, Tripura StateAIDS Control Society (TSACS) sources said today.

Half of the AIDS patients were from security forcesand daily wage earners, the officials said.

HIV positive cases were also on the rise in the state.

Official statistics showed that the state has a totalof 580 HIV positive people including 20 children and 150women.

Altogether 128 house wives and 74 drivers were alsoidentified as HIV positive.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Tapan Chakrabortyinaugurated ''Red Ribbon Express'' programme to create awarenessagainst the AIDS menace last week.