The northeastern state of Tripura has reported the deaths of forty-seven students due to HIV, with 828 students testing positive for the virus. The cumulative data, revealed by the Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) from April 2007 to May 2024, highlights a growing health crisis linked to intravenous drug use, predominantly among students from affluent families.
According to TSACS, the 828 HIV-positive students are part of a broader epidemic in the state. Of these students, 572 are still alive, while 47 have succumbed to the infection. Many of these students have migrated from Tripura to pursue higher education in prestigious institutions nationwide, indicating the issue’s widespread nature.
A senior TSACS official stated, “We have so far registered 828 students who are HIV positive. Out of them, 572 students are still alive, and we have lost 47 due to the dreaded infection. Many students have migrated out of Tripura for higher studies.”
The Tripura AIDS Control Society has identified students from 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities who are involved in injectable drug use. This alarming trend has been a significant factor in the rising HIV cases. The data shows that nearly five to seven new cases of HIV are detected daily.
At a recent media workshop organised jointly by the Tripura Journalist Union, Web Media Forum, and TSACS, officials provided a comprehensive overview of the state’s HIV situation. The Joint Director of TSACS presented statistical data revealing the extent of intravenous drug abuse among students.
“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 data from 164 health facilities across the state, with reports from almost all blocks and subdivisions,” he said.
As of May 2024, Tripura has registered 8,729 active HIV cases at Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) centres. Among these, 5,674 individuals are alive, comprising 4,570 males, 1,103 females, and one transgender person.
A senior TSACS official noted, “Till May 2024, we have registered 8,729 people in the ART centers. The total number of people who are alive with HIV is 5,674. Among them, 4,570 are males, 1,103 are females, and one is transgender.”
Bhattacharjee, a senior official, attributed the spike in HIV cases to the use of intravenous drugs, particularly among children from affluent families. He explained that many of these families, where parents are often in government service, tend to fulfil their children’s demands without hesitation. Unfortunately, by the time parents realise their children have fallen prey to drug abuse, it is often too late.
“In most cases, the children belong to affluent families who are detected positive to HIV. There are families where both parents are in government service and don’t hesitate in fulfilling the demands of the children. By the time they realise that their children fell prey to drugs, it was too late,” Bhattacharjee highlighted.
The joint media workshop, which detailed these findings, saw participation from several key figures, including Project Director TSACS Dr Samarpita Datta, Secretary Tripura Web Media Forum Abhisek Dey, President Tripura Journalist Union Pranab Sarkar, and other senior leaders from the Tripura Health Department. The event aimed to raise awareness and address the growing HIV crisis in the state.
Dr. Samarpita Datta emphasised the importance of early detection and intervention, urging families to be vigilant and proactive in addressing drug use among their children. The workshop also highlighted the need for enhanced support systems and education to prevent further spread of HIV.
