103 HIV Positive Cases in 9 Months in Tripura

Agartala, January 26, 2020:

Around 103 HIV cases were recorded in nine months in Tripura and AIDS Control Society has cited the injecting drug menace as the main reason behind the rise.

“In last 9 months, altogether 103 cases came into light. All the patients are drug addicts and used to inject drugs. This figure is almost three times of last year. In 2019, the figure stood at 32 and we are anticipating that it may touch 150 till March 2020,” said a highly placed source in the state AIDS control society.

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He said that North Tripura district, being in direct contact of neighboring Mizoram, is the most vulnerable district in terms of HIV. “There are altogether 1622 cases as per the official record since last December. North Tripura district alone contributes 462 cases, followed by West Tripura standing in the second slot with 348 cases. South Tripura district of Tripura comes last in the list with 57 HIV cases” he added.

Replying to a question regarding the awareness and challenges of diagnosing HIV, he said, since 2006 people are coming forward voluntarily for testing. According to our reports, people prefer testing in some distant location rather than that of their own locality. People chosse to go to PHC or CHCs located at some other locality to get their mind clear, he added.

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“The major hotspots”, he said, adding, “are places like interstate truck terminus. Truck drivers are the most exposed to this infection. Recently, a detection centre has been opened at Madhabari truck terminus under the CSR project of Apollo tyres, which is a unique move and deserves appreciation”.

According to an abstract breakup of occupation wise, distribution of people infected with HIV till October 2019, 75 of BSF/ CRPF and TSR Jawans are infected with HIV, 185 are from Daily labour and domestic servant, 297 are Drivers, 48 farmers, 150 are from government/private sector, including ex-service men, 494 Housewives, 103 Students, 195 self-employed, 13 are unemployed, 15 children, 4 sex workers and 43 others.

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When asked about HIV infection in Bru camps, the officials told this reporter that there were a few people infected with the disease and entire North Tripura district was under surveillance.

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