Tripura is currently facing a severe HIV crisis among its student population, according to officials from the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS). Recent data shared during a media workshop has revealed a distressing reality.
“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,” a senior official of the TSACS stated.
During a media workshop organised jointly by the Tripura Journalist Union, Web Media Forum, and TSACS, the Joint Director of TSACS presented a statistical overview of the HIV situation in Tripura.
He explained, “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 data from a total of 164 health facilities across the state. Reports are gathered from almost all the blocks and subdivisions before making this presentation.”
Regarding the total number of active cases in the state, a senior TSACS official said, “Till May 2024, we have registered 8,729 people in the ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) centres. The total number of people who are alive with HIV is 5,674. Among them, 4,570 are males, while 1,103 are females. Only one patient among them is a transgender.”
Attributing the increase in HIV cases to intravenous drug abuse, Bhattacharjee noted, “In most cases, the children belong to affluent families who are detected positive for HIV. There are families where both parents are in government service and don’t hesitate to fulfil the demands of the children. By the time they realise that their children fell prey to drugs, it was too late.”
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The situation has raised significant concerns among health authorities and community leaders, who are working tirelessly to educate the public and prevent further infections. Dr Samarpita Datta, Project Director of TSACS, emphasised the need for enhanced awareness and proactive measures to curb the epidemic. The workshop, attended by key stakeholders including representatives from the Tripura Web Media Forum and Tripura Journalist Union, underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address this pressing public health issue.
As efforts continue to combat the spread of HIV in Tripura, the focus remains on strengthening healthcare interventions, supporting affected communities, and fostering greater awareness to prevent future outbreaks among vulnerable populations, especially students.
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