1. Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) reveals a severe HIV crisis among students.
2. Recent data highlights 828 students testing positive, with 47 deaths.
3. Media workshop emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and intervention.
Agartala, July 10: Tripura is facing a severe HIV crisis among its student population, as revealed by the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS). Recent data shared during a media workshop underscores the gravity of the situation.
“We have registered 828 HIV-positive students. Out of them, 572 are still alive, and we have lost 47 to the infection. Many students have migrated out of Tripura for higher studies,” a TSACS senior official stated.
At a media workshop organized by the Tripura Journalist Union, Web Media Forum, and TSACS, the Joint Director of TSACS presented statistics on HIV in Tripura.
He reported, “220 schools and 24 colleges and universities have students addicted to intravenous drug abuse. We gathered data from 164 health facilities across the state, with reports from almost all blocks and subdivisions.”
Regarding active cases, a TSACS senior official said, “As of May 2024, 8,729 people are registered at ART (Antiretroviral Therapy) centers. 5,674 people are living with HIV, including 4,570 males, 1,103 females, and one transgender individual.”
The spike in HIV cases is attributed to intravenous drug abuse. Bhattacharjee noted, “Most affected children come from affluent families. Often, both parents are in government service and fulfill their children’s demands without realizing the consequences until it’s too late.”
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This situation has raised significant concerns among health authorities and community leaders, who are working to educate and prevent further infections. Dr. Samarpita Datta, Project Director of TSACS, emphasized the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to curb the epidemic.
The workshop, attended by key stakeholders, highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to address this public health issue.
Efforts to combat the spread of HIV in Tripura focus on strengthening healthcare interventions, supporting affected communities, and fostering awareness to prevent future outbreaks, particularly among students.
The response requires concerted efforts from all sectors 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, diarrhoea, sores, pneumonia, skin blotches)
Note: Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively manage HIV infection and prevent transmission.
