Tripura faces a grim HIV crisis with 47 student fatalities and 828 confirmed cases, as reported by the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS). The surge in infections is linked to injectable drug abuse among students, highlighting a concerning trend in the state’s educational institutions.
According to TSACS officials, the state has identified 220 schools and 24 colleges where students engage in injectable drug use. Despite efforts, new cases continue to emerge at a rate of five to seven daily, underscoring the severity of the situation.
During a media workshop jointly organized by the Tripura Journalist Union, Web Media Forum, and TSACS, the Joint Director of TSACS presented a statistical overview. “We have registered 8,729 individuals in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres, with 5,674 currently living with HIV,” shared a TSACS senior official. The data reveals a predominant male demographic among those affected, with only one transgender individual recorded among the cases.
Injectable drug abuse among affluent families has been cited as a primary cause of the HIV spike. “Many affected children come from well-to-do backgrounds, often with both parents employed in government services,” noted officials. “Unfortunately, by the time families realize their children’s drug use, it’s often too late.”
Project Director Dr. Samarpita Datta and senior leaders from TSACS, Tripura Web Media Forum, and the Tripura Health Department were present at the workshop, emphasizing collaborative efforts to address the crisis.
The HIV epidemic in Tripura underscores urgent needs for enhanced drug prevention and healthcare initiatives. As the state grapples with rising infections among students, coordinated efforts from health authorities and community stakeholders are crucial in mitigating further spread and providing support to affected individuals and families.
