The menace of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Tripura has become a cause of concern across India. An alarming report by the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) has revealed that 828 students have tested HIV-positive and 47 have died due to the viral infection.
“We have so far registered 828 students who are HIV positive Out of them, 572 students are still alive and we have lost 47 people due to the dreaded infection. Many of the students have migrated out of Tripura for higher studies in coveted institutions across the country,” according to a senior official of the Tripura State AIDS Control Society as quoted by TOI.
According to the society, it has identified student from as many as 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities who take injectable drugs.
“So far, 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities have been identified where students are found to be addicted to intravenous drug abuse. We have collected the data from a total of 164 health
“In most of the cases, the children belong to affluent families who are detected positive to HIV. There are families where both parents are in government service and don’t hesitate in fulfilling the demands of the children. By the time they realize that their children fell prey to drugs, it was too late,” he added.
HIV transmission continues to be a major public health challenge globally. After the shocking report highlighted the grim status of HIV transmission in Tripura, the Tripura government clarified that the figures mentioned above are over a period of 25 years.
The government said out of 828 patients, 572 students are still alive and 47 people died due to the dreaded infection. Many of the students have migrated out of Tripura for higher studies in coveted institutions across the country, it added.
The government also clarified Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) started its journey since April 1999. According to TSACS, 828 students tested HIV positive in Tripura, out of which, 572 students are still alive while 47 others lost their lives since 1999.
Tripura AIDS Control Society (TSACS) officials said the spike in HIV cases could have stemmed from injectable drug abuse among students. After the media reports, TSACS also clarified that these figures range from April 2007 to May 2024.
In a rejoinder, the society said the National AIDS Control Programme has been implemented in Tripura since April 1999. The body said it was taking all necessary steps to control HIV/AIDS as per the guidelines and action plans designed by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO). According to the fresh statement, the cumulative data represents the total number of students registered in the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centres of Tripura over these years.
As per NACO guidelines, all 828 students have been receiving free Antiretroviral Treatment. However, 47 students have died during this period. Furthermore, TSACS provided additional data on HIV infections in Tripura. In the year 2022-23, as many as 1,847 new HIV infections were detected, with a positive rate of 0.89 per cent and 67 death cases.
In 2023-24, 1,790 new HIV infections were identified, with a slightly higher positive rate of 0.92 per cent and 44 death cases.
Rohit Malhotra is a medical expert and health journalist who offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being. His articles aim to help readers lead healthier lives.
