Tripura Faces Public Health Crisis as 47 Students Die from HIV, India

Tripura is facing a severe public health crisis, with 47 student deaths attributed to HIV and a total of 828 HIV-positive students identified. The Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) has reported that five to seven new HIV cases are detected daily, highlighting a concerning trend in the state. The Joint Director of TSACS revealed that drug abuse among students from various educational institutions has been identified as the primary driver behind the rise in HIV cases. This epidemic has impacted students from 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities across Tripura. The overall HIV scenario in the state remains alarming, with 8,729 individuals registered in antiretroviral therapy (ART) centers, of which 5,674 are actively receiving treatment for HIV. The surge in HIV cases has been linked to high levels of drug abuse among students from affluent families and government employees. The situation demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to address the root causes of this growing public health concern.