West Bengal News: HIV-positive cases among students in Purba Bardhaman, West Bengal, are steadily increasing. Infections have risen, particularly among gay students. Learn the full story.

West Bengal News: The number of HIV-positive students in West Bengal is steadily increasing. A worrying picture has emerged from the state's Purba Bardhaman district. The number of HIV-positive students, particularly gay students, is on the rise. The state health department is also concerned by the data.

According to the data, the number of HIV-positive students in Bardhaman increased from 24 in 2024 to 37 in 2025. Significantly, these include minors over the age of 14.

HIV positive cases are continuously increasing

On the other hand, the total number of people currently infected with HIV in Purba Bardhaman district is approximately 1800. The total number of HIV positive cases in the district was 258 in 2023, which increased to 257 in 2024 and further increased to 314 in 2025.

The state government, along with various organizations, is working on HIV. Testing has recently been increased, increasing the total number of HIV patients in Purba Bardhaman to 332 between January 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026. These include 90 homosexuals. In 2023, 22 homosexuals were infected, and in 2024, 28 were infected.

Minors and the elderly are also affected.

Statistics show that HIV-positive patients include minors over the age of 14, as well as elderly people over the age of 50. The emergence of this issue has raised concerns among the health department.

Under HIV guidelines, the names, identities, addresses, and occupations of those infected are kept confidential. However, some HIV organizations claim that male sex workers are mostly highly educated and financially well-off.

Emphasis on testing and prevention

The health department report said that the number of people infected with HIV in Bardhaman was 258 in 2023. 257 in 2024 and 18 infected people were detected till January 31, the first month of 2026.

The district health department said that 112,000 tests were conducted in the last fiscal year, while 145,000 tests have been conducted so far in the current financial year. District Chief Health Officer Jairam Hembram said, "The number of HIV positive cases has increased due to the increase in testing. This is good for society. Everything from counseling to treatment is underway. As a result, the rate of transmission from infected individuals is gradually decreasing."

What did the Chief Health Officer of the district say?

Various organizations are also working on this. The district's Chief Health Officer said that the number of infections among homosexuals is also decreasing. He added, "It's not just caused by unsafe sex; blood donation and drug use can also spread the disease. People who inject drugs into the veins through syringes use the same syringe repeatedly. This further increases the risk of HIV transmission."