NEW DELHI: The spread of HIV in Tripura is worrying people all over India. A shocking report from the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) shows that 828 students have tested positive for HIV, and 47 have died from the infection.
According to a senior official from the Tripura State AIDS Control Society, we have identified 828 students who are HIV positive. Among them, 572 students are still alive, but unfortunately, 47 have passed away due to the infection. Many students have moved out of Tripura for higher education in prestigious institutions across the country.
According to the society, they have identified students from 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities who are involved in injectable drug use.
“We have gathered information from 164 health facilities across the state. This data includes reports from nearly all blocks and subdivisions, which we have compiled for this presentation,” said the Joint Director of TSACS to Media Sources.
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He further explained, “In many instances, children from well-off families have tested positive for HIV. Some families have both parents working in government jobs and readily meet their children’s demands. Unfortunately, they often realize too late that their children have become involved with drugs.”
The transmission of HIV remains a significant public health issue worldwide. Following the alarming report on the serious situation of HIV transmission in Tripura, the state government clarified that the figures mentioned are for 25 years.
In Tripura, 47 students have d!ed from HIV, and 828 have tested positive, according to the Tripura State #AIDS Control Society (TSACS).
A senior TSACS official stated that 572 of these students are still alive, with many having left the state for higher education. #medtwitter pic.twitter.com/gh7wJXlcOF
— Indian Doctor🇮🇳 (@Indian__doctor) July 9, 2024
The government provided an update, stating that out of 828 patients identified, 572 students are currently alive, and 47 individuals have passed away due to the infection. Many students have also moved out of Tripura for higher education in prestigious institutions across the country.
Additionally, the government clarified that the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) began its operations in April 1999. According to TSACS, since its inception, 828 students in Tripura have tested positive for HIV, with 572 still alive and 47 have died.
Officials from the Tripura AIDS Control Society (TSACS) mentioned that the increase in HIV cases could be linked to injectable drug abuse among students. Following media reports, TSACS clarified that these statistics cover the period from April 2007 to May 2024.
In response, TSACS stated that the National AIDS Control Programme has been active in Tripura since April 1999. The organization affirmed its commitment to following guidelines and action plans provided by the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) to manage HIV/AIDS effectively. According to their latest statement, the cumulative data reflects the total number of students registered at Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Centres in Tripura during these years.
Under NACO’s guidelines, all 828 students have been receiving free Antiretroviral Treatment. Unfortunately, 47 students have passed away during this period. Additionally, TSACS provided updated statistics on HIV infections in Tripura. In the year 2022-23, there were 1,847 new HIV infections reported, with a positivity rate of 0.89% and 67 deaths. In 2023-24, 1,790 new HIV infections were identified, with a slightly higher positivity rate of 0.92% and 44 deaths.