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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 01/12/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (01-12-2025).

📝 MAINS QUESTION (GS-II / GS-III / Assam Paper V)

Q. “The recent spike in HIV cases in Assam reflects deeper structural vulnerabilities in public health and social behaviour.” Discuss the key drivers behind the surge and suggest a comprehensive strategy to control the spread of HIV in the State.

✅ MODEL ANSWER (Pointwise | ~250 words)

Introduction

Assam is experiencing a sharp rise in HIV cases, with more than 19,000 general clients and over 1,800 pregnant women recently testing positive. The surge marks a shift in the epidemiological trend, moving from a low-prevalence to a rising-burden state. The increase is driven largely by injecting drug use (IDU) and socio-economic vulnerabilities, demanding a holistic and sustained public health response.

Key Drivers Behind the HIV Surge

1. Injecting Drug Use (Primary Driver)

Around two-thirds of new infections originate from IDU.
Easy availability of injectable narcotics like heroin and methamphetamine.

2. Youth Vulnerability

High unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of awareness.
Drug abuse hotspots near transport corridors and urban clusters.

3. Stigma & Low Testing Behaviour

Fear of discrimination discourages testing and treatment-seeking.
Late diagnosis increases community transmission.

4. Insufficient Harm-Reduction Coverage

Needle–syringe exchange and OST centres inadequate in rural and semi-urban areas.
Gaps in outreach to high-risk groups.

5. Weak Surveillance & Follow-up

Data gaps at district level.
ART dropouts due to poor adherence or migration.

6. Socio-economic Factors

Poverty, migration, and family disruption increase risk-taking behaviours.
Women face vulnerability due to low agency and partner risk.

Strategy to Control HIV in Assam

1. Strengthen Harm-Reduction Measures

Scale up OST centres and needle–syringe exchange programmes.
Mobile outreach units in drug hotspots.

2. Expand Community-Based Testing

Doorstep or camp-based testing for youth and high-risk populations.
Integrate HIV screening with TB, Hepatitis, and mental health services.

3. Technology-Enabled Surveillance

Real-time district dashboards.
AI-based hotspot prediction using drug seizure and health data.

4. Behavioural & Educational Interventions

School and college-level awareness on drugs, safe practices, and stigma reduction.
Community influencers for sensitisation.

5. Strengthen ART Access & Retention

Decentralised ART distribution through PHCs.
Counselling and peer-support groups for adherence.

6. Law Enforcement Coordination

Crackdown on narcotics supply chains.
Coordination with neighbouring NE states for cross-border trafficking control.

Conclusion

Assam’s rising HIV trend is not merely a medical issue but a complex intersection of drug abuse, socio-economic stress, behavioural patterns, and systemic health gaps. A multi-pronged strategy—combining harm reduction, behavioural change, strong surveillance, and coordinated law enforcement—is essential for preventing escalation and safeguarding Assam’s young population. capacity-building, inter-agency coordination, and sustainable long-term financing. With robust implementation, ASSAMSAT can become a pioneering model for other States in India.

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