After reports on the HIV data surfaced, the Tripura government clarified that the figures mentioned above are over a period of 25 years.
The government said out of 828 patients, 572 students are still alive and 47 people died due to the dreaded infection. Many of the students have migrated out of Tripura for higher studies in coveted institutions across the country, it added.
The government also clarified Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) started its journey since April 1999. According to TSACS, 828 students tested HIV positive in Tripura, out of which, 572 students are still alive while 47 others lost their lives since 1999.
Tripura AIDS Control Society (TSACS) officials said the spike in HIV cases could have stemmed from injectable drug abuse among students.
TSACS has identified students from around 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities who take injectable drugs.
“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,” the Joint Director of TSACS told ANI.
“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 in fulfilling the demands of the children. By the time they realize that their children fell prey to drugs, it was too late,” he further said.
TSACS officials noted that the spike in HIV cases could be attributed to injectable drug abuse among students, many of whom belong to affluent families.
“In most cases, the children belong to families where both parents are employed in government services and are capable of meeting their demands,” TSACS officials emphasized. “Unfortunately, by the time they realize their children have fallen prey to drugs, it’s often too late.”
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