Tripura is currently dealing with 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 paints a worrying picture.
“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 said.
During a media workshop organized by the Tripura Journalist Union, Web Media Forum, and TSACS, the Joint Director of TSACS presented statistics on the overall 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 the data from a total of 164 health facilities across the state. Reports are collected from almost all the blocks and subdivisions before making this presentation.”
“On the total number of active cases in the state, a senior official of the TSACS said, “Till May 2024, we have registered 8,729 people in the ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) centers. 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,” director added.
Bhattacharjee, a senior official, attributes the rise in HIV cases to intravenous drug use. He explained, “In most of the 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 fulfill the demands of the children. By the time they realize that their children fell prey to drugs, it was too late.”
Health authorities and community leaders are deeply concerned and are working hard to educate people and prevent further infections. Dr. Samarpita Datta, Project Director of TSACS, emphasized the need for better awareness and proactive measures to stop the epidemic. The workshop, attended by important stakeholders including representatives from the Tripura Web Media Forum and Tripura Journalist Union, highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address this pressing public health issue.
Efforts to combat HIV in Tripura are ongoing, with a focus on strengthening healthcare interventions, supporting affected communities, and raising awareness to prevent future outbreaks among vulnerable groups, especially students. The situation requires a united response from all parts of society to ensure effective prevention, care, and support for those affected by HIV in Tripura.
Causes of HIV Infection
– Transmission through bodily fluids (sexual contact, sharing needles, mother-to-child)
– Blood products and organ transplants (rare)
– Needle sharing
– Occupational exposure
– Vertical transmission (mother-to-child)
Symptoms of HIV Infection
Acute HIV infection: Flu-like symptoms, fever, rash, muscle aches
Clinical latency stage: Asymptomatic
Progression to AIDS: Severe immune system damage, opportunistic infections, cancers, neurological disorders
Symptoms of AIDS: Weight loss, fever, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, sores, pneumonia, skin blotches
Tripura’s situation underscores the urgent need for a concerted response to tackle this public health challenge. With enhanced awareness, proactive measures, and collaborative efforts, there is hope to curb the spread of HIV and support those affected.
