Agartala: A surge in Injecting Drug Use (IDU) has led to a significant increase in HIV positive cases in Tripura, as discussed in a recent regional workshop held in Guwahati.According to reports, Tripura has recorded approximately 11,000 HIV cases, and the trend is showing a consistent upward trajectory each month.Officials have reiterated their dedication to improving district-level HIV response strategies in both Nagaland and Tripura, noting that the adult HIV prevalence in Tripura is currently at 0.39 per cent.The report has highlighted the emergence of IDU as a public health challenge, with specific evaluations conducted across seven districts — Dhalai, Gomati, Khowai, North Tripura, South Tripura, Unakoti, and West Tripura.The workshop emphasized the importance of strengthening peer-led targeted interventions and expanding harm reduction services, such as Opioid Substitution Therapy.There was a strong advocacy on early diagnosis, improving access to Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), and ensuring viral suppression through enhanced treatment adherence.Officials from the Tripura AIDS Control Society stressed the need to develop a comprehensive strategy to address IDU-related vulnerabilities and improve service delivery in high-burden districts, while participating in discussions on strategies for all 60 high-priority districts across the NE region.The outcomes of these discussions are expected to lead to actionable, district-specific plans that align with the unique epidemiological landscape of each state, further strengthening the Government of India’s steadfast commitment to eliminating AIDS as a public health threat.
