Over three years, 70 pregnant women found HIV+ in Tripura

About 70 pregnant women have tested HIV-positive in Tripura in the past three years, an official of the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) said here Friday.

"Though, 70 pregnant women have been tested HIV-positive since 2012, if they undergo prescribed treatment available at the government hospitals, the chance of getting HIV infection to their babies will be reduced to a large extent," a TSACS official told IANS.

"The TSACS has been testing around 6,000 blood samples every month of the suspected HIV carriers and people living in high and semi-risk zones," the official said, refusing to disclose his identity.

According to the official, Tripura has 1,370 HIV-positive people, of whom 581 were AIDS patients.

Of the around 70 pregnant women, who have been tested HIV-positive, 20 were tested positive in 2012, 32 in 2013 and 17 this year.

Advising pregnant women to undergo the HIV test before and after their deliveries, the official said the TSACS and the state's health department have been trying hard to ensure 100 percent institutional delivery, specially for all the expectant mothers who have been tested HIV-positive, for well-being of their kids.