HIV crisis among students in Tripura: 47 dead, 828 test positive

Agartala: A severe HIV crisis is unfolding among students in Tripura, with 47 reported deaths and 828 testing positive for the virus.

This was informed by a senior official from the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS).

“We have registered 828 students who are HIV positive. Out of them, 572 are still alive, and we have lost 47 to the infection," the official said.

"Many students have migrated out of Tripura for higher studies in prestigious institutions across the country,” the official stated.

The TSACS has identified students from 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities who are using injectable drugs.

Recent data reveals a troubling trend of five to seven new HIV cases being detected daily, the official added.

During a media workshop organized 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.

“So far, 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities have been identified where students are addicted to intravenous drug abuse. We gathered data from 164 health facilities across the state, collecting reports from almost all blocks and subdivisions,” he explained.

Regarding the total number of active cases, a senior TSACS official reported, “As of May 2024, we have registered 8729 people in the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centers. Currently, 5674 people are living with HIV, including 4570 males, 1103 females, and one transgender individual.”

The surge in HIV cases in Tripura is largely attributed to intravenous drug use.