STATE: The National AIDS Control Programme was launched in Tripura in April 1999. Over the past 25 years, the Tripura State AIDS Control Society has worked to control the spread of HIV according to guidelines set by the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). Recently, a report circulated in the media stating that 828 students in Tripura have tested HIV positive, and 47 of them have died. This report is misleading. It is important to note that these numbers are cumulative over 17 years (April 2007 to May 2024), and all 828 students have received or are receiving free Anti- Retroviral Treatment (ART) as per NACO guidelines. Unfortunately, 47 of them have passed away during this time. Dr. Samarpita Dutta, Project Director of Tripura State AIDS Control Society, has given this information in a Press Release.

Conversely, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha brought attention to the matter on social media as well, sharing, “The Government of Tripura has been taking various measures to prevent the spread of HIV/ AIDS in the State. It has come to our notice that some recent media reports have led to misgivings on the number of infected students & fatalities. It has been clarified by the department concerned that a total of 828 students in Tripura have tested HIV positive, and 47 have lost lives over a period of 17 years (from April 2007 to May 2024). All affected students have received or have been receiving free Anti- Retroviral Treatment (ART) as per the NACO guidelines.”